Monday, August 13, 2007

Let's Talk About It!!!

The July 2007 issue of Ebony Magazine which has an unusual and imaginative cover...takes an indepth look at the issue of the widespread use of profane language especially in the build-up that occured as a result of the furor over the remarks made by Don Imus to the Women's Basketball team of Rutgers University. In her editorial review called- A Serious Look at Ourselves - President and CEO, Linda Johnson Rice writes -

There are at least two sides to this debate: Those who view the language as pure artistic and creative expression, tightly wrapped in the context that "it's just music, a way of keepin' it real": and the other side who sees it as demeaning, degrading and hurtful portrayals that incorrectly paint a picture for the world to shape its concept of Black women.

This is a situation that has no easy answers, no easy approaches, no diagrams for an easy solution. In fact, this is a complex social issue that requires some deep internal evaluation, especially since there are many Black women who embrace the language - and even use it themselve, reveling in the derogatory descriptions to the point that they accept them as a badge of distinction.

Ms Johnson-Rice goes on to say that -
...it is by no means only about rap and hip-hop, TV and movies...it's about some everyday language that is inappropriate but has become an acceptable part of the lexicon. It has gotten to the point that even grade schoolers who still pay with Barney and Elmo are spewing adult-sized offensive words - using them with the same cadence, purpose and intent as adults!

The latter part of the editorial which appears above is what I find very uncomfortable. The fact that it profane language has become so widespread in its use to the point that generations to come might find that it is not unusual to use language profanely...is this the sort of legacy we want to leave for our children...is this the legacy that was left for us...let's talk about it!!!

1 comment:

anonymous gal(retired blogger) said...

IMO there are time when 2 express yourself properly u have to use swear words.at oda times its down rite irrtatin and annoyin...totally unnecesary.i am against swearing,but i dont mind when its done in moderation.