Good As You

The topic is quite curious, i must say

It's important to not censor words like 'negro' or 'nigger' though, we need to teach that they are atrociously hurtful and that they shouldn't be used as a result of their history. But we can't deny its existence or just shirk it by calling it 'the n word', when we speak it, we need to make sure we're explaining that the world is an incredibly vile one, with a sad history in America. We musn't forget how language can hurt one another, just as bigots throw the word 'fags' around, lest we lest society slip once more.

AAA: I think that's a slightly misplaced reaction here. The clip is from the movie 'Stonewall', and the singer is a gay activist character. He's not using the word in a vile, offensive manner -- the word "negro" was basically an accepted word at this time. In fact, "black" was considered offensive by some. So it's not that there's really anything to censor here -- I just wanted to put the note up to explain the historical context of the word, which can be quite jarring to modern ears.

There is an earlier moment of the film when he's singing this song and an African-American character does have a startled reaction to the word, indicating the changing times. But again, the reaction is not that he's being racist -- I think it's to show that while his intentions are pure, this white Midwesterner and some of his fellows (notice there is no one of color on the bus) need some education on other issues.

But back to the clip itself: I love the activist spirit and hope it is being restored.

Jeremy,

I'm reminded of my college days and riding the bus to and from school. I had the privilege of eavesdropping on the conversation of 2 elderly African-American women. One of them said "and who decided to call us black? I'm not black, I'm colored." That conversation has stuck with me for more than 25 years. In the '80's "black" was considered the proper term, and before that, as you rightly state, negro was acceptible, and from what I gathered listening to those older ladies, "colored" was what they prefered. when in doubt, ask, so as not to offend.

Jeremy, what I was trying to say is that I agree with you. I was simply referring to what you said about it being "a bit uncomfortable to hear now, but it must be understood in historical context".

It's totally necessary to understand that the word shouldn't be censored out of historical pieces just because it's hurtful now. We need to acknowledge history as a whole, the good and the bad. I was agreeing by trying to mention the fact that even though the words are indeed hurtful now, that doesn't mean we should be censoring movies like this or literature like "To Kill A Mockingbird".

Matty Dean! I loved that movie! I lived 4 blocks away from the Castro Theater when it came out, and that's where I saw it. Seems like a lifetime ago. Funny how things change, and then Prop 8 just slaps you in the face with the cold reality. Even if that reality is only how stupidly gullible some in the electorate are.

Referring to a black person as a "negro" isn't really offensive, just strangely archaic. It would be like referring to your pants as "pantaloons" or showing up for work wearing a neck ruffle and a powdered wig.

"It's not what you call me, it's what I answer to."

Dick: I adore this movie (and its Shangri-las soundtrack). I think it's woefully overlooked.

Derek and everyone: Yes, we're in agreement -- it's not offensive. I just wanted to put that note up because it sounds a little weird to modern ears, and I didn't want it to take away from the sweet little clip.