The Duh-Word

In the department of "right heart, wrong head," The city council of New York has voted to ban the use of the word "nigger".

The New York City resolution was sponsored by Councilman Leroy Comrie, who says the "N-word" was derived solely out of hate and anger and that its meaning cannot be changed.

But for America's so-called hip-hop generation using the word among themselves is about self-empowerment.

Its usage is habitual and seems culturally fixed and to stop it is likely to take a change in their attitudes rather than an edict from elected officials.

The fine print is in the 2nd paragraph: "The resolution to ban the so-called "N-word" is largely symbolic as it carries no weight in law and those who use the word would face no punishment." I'd be highly amused to see the n-word patrol, out on the streets with duct tape to muzzle offenders, most of whom would probably be black, themselves.

Sorry, folks - that's not how you combat racial prejudice and hatred. I'm not 100% sure how you do it, given that we've tried and failed for most of our species' time here on Earth, but this ain't it, either.