Rap mogul Jay-Z says he will keep using the b-word. In a recent interview, Jay-Z reveals that he never gave up the b word, and he has no intention on giving it up in the future. Apparently, the poem, penned to new daughter Blue Ivy, was a fake.
Read the full story here. [He took a prominent stand against brothers wearing jerseys, but no stand to be taken about misogyny.]
In between the new papa's denial of his fake decision to give up the b-word, we drafted a petition letter to Jay Z, hoping that he would use his influence for good:
Dear Jay-Z:
Congratulations on the recent birth of your daughter.
Also, thank you for your vow to stop using the B-word in your music out of concern for its degrading nature. It is an honorable gesture that you refuse to use a word in the future that has had such a prominent role in so many of your previous hits. We wish you would do the same with another word of frequent use.
We implore you to go further and pledge to stop using the N-word as well.
In seeking to decrease misogyny against women, why not work to decrease racism against African Americans?
This is a new year. Let us respect our ancestors, ourselves, and most importantly, our children.
Please help us in leaving the N-word behind. It is a vestige of the past that should remain in the past.
Sincerely,
A Strong Black Woman
Also, see Julian Curry's brilliant Def Poetry Jam:
In between the new papa's denial of his fake decision to give up the b-word, we drafted a petition letter to Jay Z, hoping that he would use his influence for good:
Dear Jay-Z:
Congratulations on the recent birth of your daughter.
Also, thank you for your vow to stop using the B-word in your music out of concern for its degrading nature. It is an honorable gesture that you refuse to use a word in the future that has had such a prominent role in so many of your previous hits. We wish you would do the same with another word of frequent use.
We implore you to go further and pledge to stop using the N-word as well.
In seeking to decrease misogyny against women, why not work to decrease racism against African Americans?
Times have progressed dramatically between one of your first hits “Ain’t no N***a” and your most recent chart-topper “N***as in Paris.” [We saw you in the VIP section at Barack Obama’s inauguration as America’s first Black President in 2009 and are fairly sure no one greets him with, "Hey my, n***a. Why don't other African Americans deserve an equal amount of respect?]
The continued use of such a word in the American lexicon makes us question how much progress has really been made. We have fought long and hard to get ahead despite having so many disadvantages and have made great strides as Americans. Nonetheless, this choice of vocabulary word reminds us of a time not so long ago filled with 'strange fruit' and strife. Whether it ends with an "a" or a sharp "er", there is still shame, pain, and worst of all, degradation.
There is no 'need to take it back' in order to try to remove the hate from it or to make it a positive word. Or a term of endearment. That is an impossible task. The hate is still there no matter how many times people say it, how catchy it is, or how well it rhymes in songs.
Although there is money to be made by perpetuating racism, stereotypes, and stupidity, we all know that there is a time and a place. No longer should the N-word have a place in our society. Enough is enough.
Please help us in leaving the N-word behind. It is a vestige of the past that should remain in the past.
Sincerely,
A Strong Black Woman
Also, see Julian Curry's brilliant Def Poetry Jam:
