I am one of those that “just don’t get it.” I do not understand how so many people continue to feel so disturbed over racial epithets. I mean, isn’t the world much wiser now? Can’t we recognize those that say these mean and hateful things are simply ignorant of the fact that we all are created equal? Can’t we just inwardly refuse not to listen to these remarks?
After some serious contemplation I have come to the conclusion that I can because I have never been the constant target of sexually perverse comments or racial epithets. There has always been some sort of invisible force-field surrounding me. I think it is called “being white and middle class.” Yeah, I’m sure that is what has protected me from such verbal abuse. As a member of the dominant group in American society I have unconsciously enjoyed this protection, all the while verbally denouncing the use of hate speech. It kind of reminds me of the game Armchair Quarterback where you make the calls and assess the penalties of a football game broadcasted on television. It’s easy to play the game in the comfort of your own living room, but put on a uniform and get down on the actual field and it’s a totally different story.
Lakoff makes a relevant point when she mentions hate speech is only meaningful if its connotations have been maintained by repetition. Perhaps this explains Naylor’s initial response to be called a “nigger.” She had never heard someone being called this before and therefore could not make sense out of its meaning. I distinctly remember being called a “PT” in high school and could not make sense of what it might have meant, even after my dad told me what the letters stood for. “What’s a prick?” I had to ask. It was a very embarrassing conversation, but at least I was aware of the term and how horrible it was to be called such a thing. Obviously this term had endured over time as well.
I can’t help but disagree with the old saying “sticks and stones might break my bones, but words will never harm me” after reading our text this week. The damage from verbal sexual assault and racial slurs goes far deeper than I could ever imagine; it is equivalent to wrongful physical actions and should be dealt with swiftly and punitively.
It is unfortunate that this sort of behavior has many of the same characteristics as a virus. Somehow viruses find some point of penetration in the human body and invade cells to replicate over and over again. There is no antibiotic available that effectively kills any virus that has been known to man. And while our bodies wrestle with one virus, another is in the wings waiting to pounce. I liken this battle to the problems of discrimination that our nation faces. There will always be groups of individuals who value their culture or race more than others and make it known by words and actions. We will try to combat the damage that comes with these attitudes, but we will never be completely free of them until we find a cure. I just hope that we are seriously looking for one.
I too don’t understand why people can’t move on and get over the name calling and harassment. I would think the world would be wiser but I wonder why it is not. It could possibly be that parents are to blame. Just an idea but I have seen a population of teen parents and also by watching shows like “Teen Mom” on MTV it makes me think that they are to blame. Some of them have no understanding of the real world and how teaching a child to think hate can affect all. If a parent teaches a child to hate like they to hate then the next generation may possible hate as well. It is forever going to be passed down if they there is no change in their behavior.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it our problem to deal with these people? Until there is a cure for hate, a person must deal with people full of it. The way of dealing with ignorant people is to teach them. I think our schools should teach children/teens that we must respect each other and how to treat each other as equals because maybe they are not getting that from home.
I’ve heard a lot of hate speech throughout my life, and a lot of them had a huge affect on me. It is so stressing that I try my best to simply ignore it, only because I wish not to suffer and dwell in negativity.
ReplyDeleteThere are also a bunch of phrases that people say to me just to insult me, even just for fun. And just like you, I’ve been called something that I have no idea what it meant. And because of that I have no idea what I’m suppose to feel. Even if I know what it means but doesn’t apply to me, I have no idea what I’m suppose to feel. For example, if someone meaningfully called me a terrorists, the only affect that I may get is a confused expression.
However, just like you quoted, “hate speech is only meaningful if its connotations have been maintained by repetition.” When I was in high school (I think I wrote about this somewhere but I’m not sure lol), the guy sitting behind me in my history class “joked” about Asian people. He would constantly make his eyes chinky, make fun of how Chinese people smell, and etc. At first I just laughed about it, because everything he said is true (lol no kidding). We do have chinky eyes, and Chinese people do smell, because of the type of food we eat (lol). I knew that he was just a silly guy who’s trying to be the class clown. But as he repeats the comments constantly, it gradually became an insult. From there i finally “get it.” I understood the negative feelings from insults that people get from “hate speech.” His comments eventually became offensive. It became annoying and hurtful
I too am a white middle class girl and I personally have not had any remarks towards me directly. I have witnessed some throughout school. I think that your example of your dad having to explain what a word meant was perfect! It is exactly what the author was speaking of when he explained the need for understanding a stereotype before being able to fully grasp the insult.
ReplyDeleteI read a letter by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he wrote it when he was in jail at Birmingham. The way he expressed himself and addressed the issues at hand were very impactful (I don’t think that’s a word) He is addressing the white middle class men that are holding him, and fueling the separation of black and whites.
As you read his pleadings to these men in authority you are brought into his every emotion. After reading it I felt empathetic to those with struggles that I have not known and try to view them in the way that King would have like to be viewed.
You know when you have a huge pimple on your nose, fore head, or right between your eyes? And then someone has to make a comment about it? Multiply that feeling by 1,000 times and then I think we are beginning to scratch the surface of hate words and the impact they have on those that are unfortunate enough to fall on the wrong side of the status quo.