Newspapers / Fayetteville State University Student … / March 1, 2013, edition 1 / Page 18
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OK) “iTOa CP 86£S} By Pierre Salomon (^s a Real Estate agent I do a lot of driving around. When I'm driving I usually listen to a CD, or my radio is off. I don't like listening to radio stations because of the gossip but one day I was feeling brave. A caller called in the station because he had a complaint. His complaint to the DJ pertained to a white rapper who used the word 'nigga' in his songs. The caller exclaimed that the white rapper was not entitled to say the word. And that he (the caller) in fact was an independent rapper and was going to his studio to make a negative song about the white guy for saying the word. I couldn't understand why he was so furious about a white guy saying the word, unless he sees his self as a nigga or nigger—ignorant, in the true sense of the word. It amazes me how some of us are still in a slave mentality—what else could explain why WE use the word to describe ourselves. Does he have a right to refute the white rapper from saying it? Who came up with the word, a white guy or an African? What about the words cracker, spik, chink, and wet back that we black people use freely to express hatred toward other races? In all my years of listening to radio stations, I have never heard a white, Asian or Spanish person called in the radio and complain about black artists degrading them on their songs. Do you know why? Here are four reasons: One, they don't let things like that get to them. Two, they are bigger than that. Three, their time is too valuable to waste by calling in radio stations to complain about idiots using derogatory terms toward them. And four, they know that by not paying attention to it they are not giving it life. We all remember the fiasco Seinfield actor Michael Richards, who played Cosmo Kramer went through after using the N word yet we used the word cracker as if it was going out of style. It should go out of style. Stop calling [white people] that. Is there a word that belongs exclusively to a certain race that we black people canno use? And what right does this white rapper has to say the word? We live in America, freedom of expression and freedom of speech. If the Negros that this white rapper is friend with do not mind or get offended when he says the word around them, then it doesnt matter. Obviously he is welcomed and accepted amongst his black friends. We all want our rights protected, to be able to express ourselves without violations from others. It is the same with others. They want their rights protected, and to be able to express themselves too—without violation. By Cinninnon West ^^ommon portrayals, such as Asians being good at math, His- V'orkers and African Americans being excellent * SDorts and entertainment, vy^re emphasized in an hour-long S ro March 14 about media and stereotypes. forum, March , university sociology profes- wed through her presentation ttiat people know stereo- tong ts ^ continue tp allow some prejudice to ttirive, without even realizing it. c-aA fhaf the mass media have a strong influence Dr. Lucas rtresse perceived. Hollywood roles of the on how 'Jfferen figures have not gone Mammy, Sambo, i p changed by individu- away but ^ ^ ^ his Madea movies to accommodate a als, such as lyiei rcn y newer generation. However, it is not just African Americans who are portrayed with stereotypes and negativity. •h, nrnuD has had some stereotypical Imagery of therdSJwed^in the media not just African Americans," Dn Lu cas said. Lucas developed the forum to educate his tory of African American stereotypes and suggested that the excessive violence, servitude and ignorance still can be seen in the media today. Students expressed mixed emotions during the discussion. Some students said that they feel the media portrayal of certain stereo types can negatively impact the way a person perceives a certain culture, especially if the viewer has never been exposed to the " culture. Other students said the media emphasis on prejudice keeps ignorance alive in the greater culture. Students said the mass media should highlight more positive aspects of ethnic groups to provide a more accurate view of different cultures. If you are interested in learning more about racial stereotypes contact Dr. Lucas in the Sociology department or if you're look ing for a new exciting minor in Africana studies contact Dr Jerry Woods.
Fayetteville State University Student Newspaper
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March 1, 2013, edition 1
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