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Nas, Genius or a Classic Ninny?

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The Nas Legionnaires-a herd of misguided, pea-brain sycophants melodically influenced when Nas strums his flute of musical ignorance-are absolutely ecstatic about the new rapper's single, "Be A n-word Too."

"Be A N**ger Too" is co-produced by Salaam Remi and Big Jack. The song explores the media's impact on peoples' perception of the n-word; pardons Eminem for using the idiom in his rhymes; and sustains and invites listeners to "be a n**ga too"-despite the historic plight of black people and the satirizing nature the term reflects upon the African-American community. The song prefaces Nas' CD-with an expected July 1, 2008, release date, "n-word."

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." In line with the great Reverend's ideology, the idea that blacks can use the n-word and non-blacks cannot is nothing more than an unjustified double standard-as is any other double standard-that must be immediately discarded. For an African American to utilize the term says that they do not respect themselves or the constant struggles of their ancestors; for a non-black to use the idiom expresses their disrespect for the African-American culture, and keeps alive the inferior mindsets that have oppressed the black community for centuries. No benefit comes from the use of this term. If it is not good for one group, it is not good for anyone.

However, Nas and supporters seem to disregard the "double standard" and its true effects. With the leaked preview of his new song, Nas is "officially" extending an invitation to the world-black or non-black-to use the word and continue contributing to the demise of the African-American community. This is the epitome of imprudence.

African-American ascendants were robbed of heart, mind, body, soul and manhood. Violent mental abuse was perpetuated upon them, and-although they were the complete counter of the ideologies thrust upon them-they were forced to accept a self-image of being lazy, sex fiends, thieves, drunks, irresponsible, moral degenerates, stealthy and cunning, mindless, heartless and inferior scum-something to be despised and considered worthless.

      The ascendant male was further coerced into having lack of love and respect for self, and to show no love or respect towards his woman or child. Even though the black woman was included in this vindictive conspiracy, she was allowed to have a little more self-esteem than her counter-part black male. For the black male was viewed as the most intimidating and greatest challenge to the white male. The white male knew that if he could manipulate and erode the black man's self-image, the black man would not view himself as a superior or equal, but as an inferior. The white male bruised the black male's self pride and dignity by constantly referring to him, his wife, and child as nothing more than low-down, useless, filthy "n**gers," and treating them as such.

      Under the jeers of "n**ger, n**ger, n**ger," African-American victims were mutilated, castrated, skinned, roasted, burned, hanged and shot. Under the laws of the land at the time, this conduct was acceptable since the victims were considered to be nothing more than n**gers.

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H. Lewis Smith Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

H. Lewis Smith is the Founder/CEO of the United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc. and the author of the book Bury that Sucka, A Scandalous Love Affair With the N-word.
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