Roundup — "Yes, Virginia, the R-word is as offensive as the N-word and the C-word"

Amid all the shouting voices, MB Williams once again hoists the oft-ignored yet ever-present banner of our country's this land's original inhabitants, over at Wampum:

Just one time, I would love to see Progressives of all ethnicities develop a knee-jerk response to "Redskin" and object to its gratuitous use. Where to start? Well, Technorati lists 7,527 instances of the use of the word; Google News,12,300 instances; Google blog search, 116,203 instances.

Nanette follows up at Stalking Sunlight:

Now, we all know that polite society is really loath to give up its epithets and racial slurs... but it can be done. We've, so far, extracted n****r, ch*nk, sp*c, k*ke, w*p, and probably others that I don't know or don't remember, from "polite" conversation, as each group was recognized for at least semi-personhood. We can do it with r*dsk*n too, if we put our minds to it.

Meanwhile, be sure to catch The Unapologetic Mexican, a.k.a. Nezua Limón Xolagrafik-Jonez, working in the incendiary guest-blogger program over at Jesus' General today.

No rest for the wise at ebogjonson's place.

Rachel has been inspired by Black at Michigan to blurt it out and move on with the conversation, in a post up at Rachel's Tavern entitled "I'm a Racist and I Participate in Racism!":

Let’s stop running away from the words “racism” and “racist.”  How are we ever going to progress when we can’t even acknowledge the truth?  The truth that white racism and white supremacy are fundamental to the organization of American society (and the rest of the world too). Nobody escapes it.  Even the most loving well meaning people have imbibed some degree of racism.  Even people of color participate in the system of white racism and white supremacy.

Thank you, Rachel! Now instead of gleefully speculating whether the latest celebrity's "racial controversy" will end his career, can we start talking about how to end the career of white supremacy?

And over at Fetch me my axe, belledame responds to O'Reilly's latest statement that Iraq is not in a civil war, it's just Muslims "doing what they do, killing each other", with predictable panache:

Yeah, I know: it's O'Rilly? whaddya expect. that doesn't make it any better. The man has a nationally syndicated radio program and TV program; -someone- must still be listening, seeing as how he still has a damn job at all.

And this is what passes for commentary. "Oh well, bunch of savages: that's just what they do! Certainly -we'd- never act in such a way in similar circumstances, even though I -already- clearly am in the process of melting down and no one's even bombed my family or destroyed my drinking water supply! No, I would -never- come after you with a chainsaw! I am 100% sane!! WoohooHOO, hoo HOO, hoo HOO!--"

jesus wept.  yeah, I dunno about you, but personally I don't find this shit amusing anymore.

Comments

[Nezua Limón Xolografik-Jonez]

Well I hate to sound off-point or contrary, but I would respectfully point out that this land's "original inhabitants" were here before there was anything we have been taught to think of as a "country." This land's original inhabitants were Indians who didn't know "borders," from the Indians in lower Mexico to the ones in the Northern parts of this land mass.

But yes, on point, I took it into account when I read that post on "redskin." I used to love the football team before I would ever have a thought about what feelings might lie behind the use of such an image and name for a football team. But I guess since I dont follow sports, I dont hear it anymore.

I decided, tho, that if I do, I will act/speak on what I read at Wampum.

[Kai]

Thanks, Nezua, for the correction. It's important to avoid all these conventional but lazy constructs with their false implications.

And yeah, as a non-football-fan, I had the same reaction to MB's piece. I don't come across the r-word much, but next time I do I'll say something.

Also, your first post at JC's place absolutely rocked the fortress.

Peace.

[Nezua Limón Xolografik-Jonez]

Kai, your support and sincere words always mean a lot to me. And I mean that in the most heterosexual way possible.

[Nezua Limón Xolografik-Jonez]

I mean, you know. Not that there's anything wrong with meaning it in a different way. But I don't.

Really.

[Kai]

Gotcha, Nezua. Now stop digging. Hehe, apparently the General's place is so soaked through with his vibe that homoerotic homophobia just kinda spills out of one's satirical persona upon entering the premises. El General brings out El Machismo, peut-être? ;-)

[Kai]

All kidding aside, Nezua, there were some gems in that piece: the dried jalapeño conspiracy; the large raisin or vanilla bean quip; but imo the best was

"And you, Señor, are no chavalita." It was a statement of respect, for of course I respect even my enemies. Before I shoot them and laugh in a very high-pitched and delirious fashion simultaneously unfurling a giant Mexican flag over their squirming remains, and singing the Star Spangled Banner backward to the tune of ¡Viva La Revolución!, of course.

[Ann]

Just one time, I would love to see Progressives of all ethnicities develop a knee-jerk response to "Redskin" and object to its gratuitous use. Where to start? Well, Technorati lists 7,527 instances of the use of the word; Google News,12,300 instances; Google blog search, 116,203 instances.

I have taken offense at the word "Redskins" for many decades. And that goes for the Atlanta "Braves" or the other team, what are they, the "Chiefs."

These racist terms are demeaning and insulting, and indicate a lack of regard for Native Americans. It says out loud that Indians (is that a correct term to still use?), are an invisible people and that their feelings on these outdated pejorative terms are not to be taken into consideration.

I for one would like to see these words swept into the dustbin of history right along with "nigger", "chink", "gook", "coon", and many others.

By the way, Kai, love your blog. This is my first visit here, and you have nice and informative posts.

And thanks also for your comments over at Rachel's. I may come across as snippy to some, but, I just believe in speaking my mind.

Once upon a time a black woman in America could not speak her mind, upon penalty of rape or death. But in these times, I definately speak my peace, and speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, both past and present, no matter what their race, gender, religion, or social/economic class.

[Kai]

Ann,

Thanks for your kind words, and also for your response at Rachel's Tavern, which I appreciated. Please feel free to speak your mind round here.

Cheers.