I'm so repulsed by the word "nigger" I vowed to never use it years ago, and to check anyone who uses it in my presence.
So, of course I was disappointed that the Rev. and state Sen. James T. Meeks publicly used the word-again.
Today, I called up Meeks and asked why.
Last week, Meeks compared some elected officials with "house niggers" in a sermon critical of the Chicago Public School System.
"House nigger" is a derogatory description of slaves who worked in the slave owner's house and benefitted from the close relationship. Today, it is still a derogatory term commonly used by blacks to denounce other blacks.
Meeks also used the controversial slur publicly while protesting alleged racial profiling on the South Side. In an interview, Meeks accused police officers of stopping drivers in cars they deemed to be "niggermobiles."
Wednesday afternoon, Meeks told me he was putting the word to rest.
"I am not using the word at all anymore," he said. "I'm going to officially retire my use of it.
But Meeks also told me that he expects something from White America, too.
"My appeal to White America is this: I will stop using that word, and it will never come out of my mouth again," he said. "But I am expecting them to be as equally passionate about ridding society of the achievement gap as they are passionate about ridding society of this word. I want them to be equally passionate about redlining. I want them to be passionate about the resource gap.
How can they be comfortable knowing that white children get more money per pupil for education than black kids? How can they sleep at night?" he asked.
Meeks also believes white people are the driving force behind efforts to bury this racial slur.
"White people don't like the word because it's a symbol of white racism," he said. "They recognize that it was an error on the part of their forefathers.
I disagree.
As noted by Ferris State University sociology Professor David Pilgrim and his colleague, languages and literature Professor Phillip Middleton, white supremacists have spread their anti-black views on sites with names such as "Niggers Must Die," "Hang A Nigger for America" and "Nigger Jokes Central."
The people behind these sites couldn't care less about African-Americans using the slur. They probably find it funny.
But whites who avoid using this racial slur are getting ticked off.
As long as they can be hounded out of their careers for publicly calling a black person the N-word, they are going to be outraged when blacks use the word with immunity.
One question for you......Is Meeks a State Senator or a Preacher. According to our constitution, Isn't there supposed to be a seperation of church and state? It appears to me that Meeks is in violation of the Constitution..
MITCHELL COMMENT:
Meeks is a state Senator and an ordained minister. Given that there have been several ordained ministers in Congress, Meeks' dual role does not violate the U.S. Constitution.
I have always hated the word. My husband & I don't use it. We remember when Richard Pryor said in one of his stand up that he was not going to use it again. I wish all Black Americans will stop using the N word and don't buy any music with the N word. I'm with you all the way.
I posted this on a message group:
Is Meeks smokin'????
Posted on August 3, 2006 at 01:21:32 PM by Spedy
It seems that Meeks want to take the light off of himself and point it at white racism. It amazes me how well he is adapting to the life of a politician. He made a ridiculous statement, and he could "REALLY" include himself within that statement. Based on how he phrased it because he has supported some folks who have not had the best interests of blacks. Namely - Gov. Blago.
I have the link to Mary Mitchell's column, which Meeks seems to be back peddling and states he will never use that word, the n-word, again. The article is interesting, but the most interesting was this:
"How can we watch 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' and see whites going to better schools with books and computers, qualified teachers and no peeling paint and watch black kids go to school with no books, no computers and few qualified teachers?" he asked.
"But we are appalled by the use of this word. I think that is straining a gnat and swallowing a camel."
He keeps talking about the quality of teachers. I wonder how many of the teachers in the failed schools are actually those who have not passed the basic skills test. Maybe the Aldermen, Senators, and Congressmen should be "REQUIRED" to have a degree, do some type of service project, and then be tested. I wonder how many so-called public servants could pass that "Basic Skills" exam. It's easy to talk about the teachers failing the test. That doesn't mean they a terrible teachers. If we used progress for the Chicago Aldermen, all of the poor neighborhoods would get failing grades.
I have a request. Since Rev. Sen. Meeks has over 20,000 members, he should task his church members to become the NEW HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS that will be willing to work in the CPS bureaucracy and bring these schools out of the dark ages. Sound bites are wonderful, but I doubt there is a real solution behind the words.
Besides, we need to put some of the blame where it belongs - the parents. I know all children do not have wonderful 2 parent homes, but that is not an excuse for the homes to not insure that the child will, at least, have a chance.
Meeks claims he is 'outraged' by the condition of black schools. Well, I (and I'm sure countless others) are outraged when the black community has an out of wedlock birth rate of nearly 80%, when black males proudly impregnate females and leave them to fend for themselves, when black mothers expect and demand that society take care of their children.
Meeks (and other black ministers and self-appointed leaders) has a pulpit to use to preach morality to his congregation. I suggest he start using it first before demanding that others come to the rescue of this self-inflicting black problem.
The use of the word Nigger has power only when Blacks allow it to have power in the sense of it being degrading and disrespectful. The term nigga not (Nigger) is and has been a term commonly used in many social circles between Black Americans. It will and should never be eradicated from our conversations in social circles and communities around the World. So people advocating for the non-use of the word is fighting a lost cause. We need to re-direct our focus and advocacy for other important issues relating to the degredation and disrespect of Black folks and thier communities here in Chicago and other cities around the World. But, I'm sure that would be too much like right-to really happen. And that's My two cents.
Keanya Toran
Mary,
I agree with you, there is no place for the use of that word today by anyone. But, I also agree with Reverend Meeks. It seems that whites are upset simply because they cannot use the word to injure blacks with the intent that the word has historically carried with it. Some want to call a black person a Nigger soooo bad that it kills them that they can't do it without ramifications. Yes there is a double standard when it comes to the word. I propose an even better deal with white people, you can call me Nigger all you want, but I want the double standard you receive in pay for the same work, mortgage rates, insurance rates, criminal sentencing, racial profiling, and any other benefit of whiteness they are privy to. Chris Rock said it best - "there's not a white person in here who will switch places with my black ass...and I'm RICH!!!"
I am surprised the Rev. State Senator Meeks could not find a more appropriate word to express his disappointed with black politicians. Meeks calling a black politician a ‘house nigger’ doesn’t insult the politician, but shows how ignorant Meeks is. Does he really think White America cares if he used the insults black people?
What Meeks should have done was to take everyone (politicians, teachers, principals, parents and students) to task for the terrible state of Chicago Public Schools. If he had done that then the discussion would be about the schools and not about him.
I find it amazing that the term “nigger� is used so freely by African-Americans with each other. It is a hurtful word that should evoke bad memories of a past generation. In a time when opportunities exist for all people (despite Rev. Meeks feelings); African Americans should be building each other up through encouragement and support, rather then denigrating themselves through slurs. Calling each other “nigger� and glorifying the gangster lifestyle will only help future generations feel they can do no better than sit on the corner, drink and curse while the world passes them by. It is time to stop the self loathing and finger pointing and realize that if you want something in life, you need to work hard and not worry about what other people think or say. I know it’s easier said than done, but it can be accomplished!!
What amazes me is the fact that Meeks, (no 'Mister' for him) scolds the white race for the poor performance of the black race.
Where are the standards for the blacks? Where is 'black' pride? Why are blacks so defensive that they blame everyone else for their problems?
Why aren't you, as an influential writer, who espouses the good traits of the blacks, demanding that blacks provide the support system for other blacks?
Providing an analogy:
As a woman, I totally support women's rights, BUT, I strongly object to women making false statements to misleadingly achieve their gains.
I have known so many strong good blacks in my lifetime, you're making them look like fools.
Grow up and assume responsibility!!!
MITCHELL COMMENTS:
I'm not sure I understand what you mean when you say "Where are the standards for the blacks?" Are there standards for the whites? Surely, you don't think every black person is immoral and engaging in criminal activity.
What makes you think all blacks are sensitive? And what is your definition of "strong good blacks?"
For goodness sakes why does anyone give that man presstime he's a carnival act extrodinaire schools are here to provide you with an education but its up to your parents or parent to educate you as for the lottery its funny black people will give their last dime to support it and then they wonder where the money goes......DUH. Meeks is far from to the manor born for only someone of his ilk can't make up his mind whether they're a senator reverend or a used car salesman (that's probably one of his credentials too)
I wish the local population could get this excited and vocal about upgrading the schools, getting rid of payday loan stores, liquor stores, gun shops, dollar stores,poor housing, no housing,the working poor, joblessness, incompetent politicians,and incompetent teachers & administrators in the Black & Hispanic community.
Mary,
My daughter is one of maybe thirty white children who attend school here in predominately black Park Forest and I know she has received the same treatment and educational opportunities as the black children and other so-called minorities. Since she will now be entering 7th grade she has attended three different schools here in S.D.163 and the most well funded one is Beacon Hill School in Chicago Heights which is in a poor neighborhood with the same problems that occur in the poorer areas of Chicago. This school has the best teachers, a refurbished library, a newer computer lab and air conditioned rooms so please stop with the "poor me attitude " that the Rev. Meeks seems to throw around more often than a collection plate!The schools here in Park Forest pale in comparison as far as appearance and equipment go and it is MY tax dollars that pay for these schools ,not the people on welfare and living in section 8 homes in Chicago Heights.I'm sorry, but I just don't get this whole "failing schools" thing-the only thing I see failing are black parents! My daughter doesn't get free breakfast or lunch, free gym suits or free anything for that matter and we wouldn't take it if she could.Maybe it's time for blacks to choose new civic leaders like Bill Cosby and get away from the finger pointing made famous by the Revs. Jackson , Meeks and Sharpton . I would be embarassed to have these people speaking on my behalf !
This tradeoff Meeks is talking about is very confusing. He says he vows passionately to never say the word nigger again, but in return he wants white people to be just as passionate in fixing an unequal school system. It sounds like he thinks he is doing whites a favor by not saying the word nigger, and we should reward him for that? That is hilarious! Whites don't care if he or anyone else says the word nigger. He or anyone else can say it all he wants because that word is an insult to blacks, not whites. He is however, forbidden from saying honky, cracker, or white boy because he is not white. Only whites are allowed to say those words, although the only white person I have ever heard use those words are some GWL's(Guilty White Liberals). As for school funding, I am not an expert on this subject so please enlighten me. Do white schools get more money from the state than black schools do? If so, that is unfair. Meeks says white pupils get more money per pupil than blacks, is this true? I thought white pupils get more money per pupil because of the real estate taxes that are paid from the residents who live in their suburb? I thought the state doles out the money evenly? If this is so, then it sounds like Meeks is asking for some real estate tax revenue from residents in Naperville, Winnetka, Barrington, Orland Park etc. to be shifted over to black students in black areas? If he is asking for that he has completely lost his mind.
The liberal use of word among black people has removed a great deal of the sting, but does not make it acceptable. I am so tired of this perpetuation of ignorance by a small population of people constantly being the main focus of the media. News has value when it shocks and is negative. If there is a "feel good" side then it may be featured almost as a sidebar. So Meeks knew his comments would make it to the press and now that gives him a platform to continue to launch his greater political ambitions, and this will bring greater in-roads into a conservative white base that wants to avoid the label of being racist. Because of the paradox posed by Meek's argument, it appeals to two different constituencies. Therefore, the N-word was used for somebody's advantage---again. Years ago racist white used to humiliate blacks and today many blacks use it as culture identity in music and slang. This only shows that when the word can be used advantageously, you can bet it will remain in use.
I was thinking about Rev. Meeks last week before I knew of his comments on black politicians. I happened to catch the Tribune editorial on the Cook County Juvenile Home and was wondering why the Tribune is the only loud voice calling for action. This place is the last stop for inner city children in trouble before they hit real jail.
Surely with a 12000 member innercity church Rev. Meeks (or at least staff ministers at his church), have had the occasion to visit the center and witness first hand the state it is in, yet there has been little public discussion of any value. Jane Adams is rolling over in her grave.
Reverend Meeks is one of the most powerful figures in Illinois right now. How about a bit of attention for some of the weakest?
On a side note, thank you President Steele!
Why should this be a white problem? Are white people dragging the middle class blacks out of their ghetto neighborhoods?
Meeks should tell his congregation to stop making baby mommas, reinstate marriage and a 2 parent family, stop mugging and doping and then maybe the blacks who make the $$$$ might want to live in the hood. As soon as blacks make decent money they flee into the white suburbs taking their money with them. When whites did this it was "white RACIST flight" when the blacks do it it's "upward mobility." However, whatever you want to call it, the tax base is gone from the black neighborhoods.
Make black neighborhoods more comfortable, safe, clean and civilized and the middle class will return with their money and talents. That strong tax base is what puts money in the schools. Keep acting the fool and the money will continue to flow into white America leaving poor blacks farther and farther behind and all alone.
This is not a white problem it is a black problem. Meeks can use the N word until his tongue falls out. I will sleep like a baby without a care in the world.
As a white man in Mississippi, who hears often from other whites complaining about black folks using the N-word, I always want to say:
So what if the folks you're complaining to somehow managed to make this promise: "Okay, my friend. You can use the N-word any time you like and you won't lose your job, or make me angry, or get thrown out of restaurants. I'll see to it."
Would our hypothetical white person actually then start using the N-word? Does he secretly harbor some burning desire to use the word, a desire so strong that it actually makes him jealous of black folks who can use the word with impunity?
Because, really, I get it. I know why black folks can use the word and white folks can't: Because it's a slur historically directed against black folks by white folks. It's really not rocket science.
And having no particular desire to use the word, I don't mind if black folks can use it and "get away with it." Why on earth would I? I mean, that's like feeling jealous of my friend across the table eating oysters when I hate oysters. If I don't want something, I have no reason to cry double standard if other people can have it and I can't.
Cheers,
TH
Being black, an having grown up in a small town in the south, I can relate to his frustration with the school system (not just Chicago). However, lets be real. It's tax dollars that pay for these improvements in the suburbs. How can we blame white people, when we don't invest in businesses and homes in our own communities (read increased tax dollars). Engage in self dealing behavior like pushing for the unqualified John Stroger jr (cook county politics) and blocking job/tax creating companies like Walmart/Target. After all, most of the tax revenue in the suburbs are generated from business. In the end, its our responsibility.
Meeks should stop using the "n" word, not because he wants a trade-off, but because it’s the right thing to do; regardless of what the mayor or anyone else does or does not do.
What a way to set a poor example for the kids he claims he wants to help get a better education. Looks like he needs a re-education in respect for himself and his own people. You'd think as a Black man first and a Christian second he would know better.
Bev.
Does anybody think this clown is worth writing about?
Wow, this is sooooooo dumb of us to let a word like this get us so worked up. 1st off I am African American and a member of Salem not Rev. Meeks' church and like he always states the media will put out the negative in a persons statement just to try to put them on blast. What this man is doing is what should have been done years ago by African American churches, politians and etc. He is not focused on the word white America is and thats the sad part. Why are we so stuck on some word he used? Is it because he used it with intentions to wake black america up? Is that why whites are all worked up about this? And as for those sell out blacks you need to wake up and see what is happening to our people. Whites could care less if you make it or not they are set dummy. Why do we constantly bash our own for trying to make a difference? When the change comes you and yours will reap the same benefits as me and mine wake up and come to the 50 billions lol people church that he pastors and hear 1st hand what he has to say about the issue at hand and not the word he used instead of listening to what he media wants you to hear. Thanks Meeks for your boldness and obedience to the Word of God and Happy Birthday.
i taught english to juniors and seniors at a private school on chicago's west side (providence st. mel) where the teachers are paid less than public school teachers, but have "benefits" that more than make up for the money. The student body was monolithically if not totally black.
Teachers there have a mission; students have a mission, and the expectations to which the students are held are firmly and strictly enforced. The admistration supports the teachers (worth a fortune to any good teacher) and was visibly present all day, nver sequestered. The single most important factor, however, is the school's requirement that parents (or another responsible ADULT) be involved and participatory in the process.
When there is accountability from all stakeholders (teachers have a weak contract, no union, no tenure; administration is governed by a strong board of directors; students have specific academic and behavioral bechmarks that must be met), the results will be better.
PSM students are all accepted to a four-year college; most attend top tier colleges, where because of the self discipline and beilef in their own abilities, they excel. every fall i'd get calls, visits, emails from my former students, and they all said, "you're right. i can do a thesis in history class. in fact, i was teaching some kids from (highly ranked subburban schools) how to organize their work."
It's NOT about money (although teachers sometimes left because of better money elsewhere, we never ran out of dedicated teachers), or the mayor, or mr/rev weeks. its about the students being expected to succeed and the families being required to participate. If the student understands the stakes, and the support system (school and home) shows it cares, the student will succeed.
Oh and for all the ignorant people out there don't believe everything you hear remember there's always 2 sides to every story. Let's WAKE UP people.
Michael J, I agree that political figures say things to shock people. The media knows what will catch people's attention. Remember the old saying "if it bleeds, it leads". However, I disagree with the statement that Meeks' rhetoric will allow him to make inroads towards white conservative voters. His type of rhetoric will only anger whites because he is insulting whites by blaming them for black kids education. Only the guiltiest of the guilty white liberals would ever consider voting for Meeks.
I believe we should stop focusing on who used this word or that word, and start focusing on the real problems in our communities and in this world. We have millions of working poor, millions of people dying from poverty and wars, millions without healthcare, and many, many folks without a roof over their heads. That said, I live in the Roseland neighborhood, and each and every day I see children roaming the streets, without parental supervision and guidance...Although I agree with Meeks on his basic theme of education, I believe his focus should be twofold: increase equity within our school systems, as well as increase parental participation, pride, and power within our own communities. White people are not going to help us do this, so we should start amassing enough power of our own to legally demand and take what should be ours. Take a page from the Hispanics and join forces with them...Reverend Meeks should not only march and use his pulpit/church for education issues, but also for parental training issues, gang/prison issues, issues of healthcare and jobs/apprenticeships that would pay a living wage and would allow parents to be at home instead of working 2 and 3 jobs. If he is truly serious about making things better, socioeconomic issues have to be addresssed as well.
" Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and there will continue until they are resisted..."
-Fredrick Douglas
Though I hate the word nigger, black people use it as a term of endearment or to describe those who are fighting against their own people, such as the phrase "housenigger." It shouldn't be in rap music because it just gives people of all races permission to use it since hip-hop/rap is so popular. With that said, my question is why do white people really, truly care? Maybe because the word reminds them of the history of oppression against black Americans and it makes them feel guilty. Or maybe they are upset that they can't say the word when they hear a black person say it. Every race of people, at least from my experience, use derogatory words against each other as a term of endearment. Is it right? Probably not. When I was in high school, a predominately white school, Italian kids called each other derogatory Italian names all of the time. I wouldn't dare use those words and I didn't want to. It just seems that white people, generally speaking, want to say the word "nigger," especially in a black person's presence. Whether it's right or wrong for black people to say to each other, it is not a word that should come out of a white person's mouth - period.
Funny how the news continues to talk about Meeks using that word, and continues to ignore the actual reason for him using it. I bet if he was'nt talking about the state of the Chicago Public School system no one would ever have heard about it. I don't know if Meeks is trying to bid for the mayors position maybe he is, maybe he is'nt. I know one thing, mayor Daley sure seems scared. I saw him on the news this morning furious over Meeks use of this word. Pointing his fingers in the air, his arms swinging around, and he was definently yelling which i've never heard him do and I follow news and politics regularly. Come on now, with this hired truck scandal, police brutality scandal(BURGE), etc., all pointing in his direction and you mean to tell me he feels this passionate about someone using this word 2 or 3 weeks ago. PLEASE!! He absolutely looked ridiculous. Regardless of who fault it is whether it's the poor teachers, poor parenting skills, or whatever it is, something needs to be done by someone who has the power to do so. Do your research(to the readers)why is it that the worst teachers are put in the poorest neighborhoods, and what results do you expect to get from that. As far as some of the parents being horrible, I agree 1000%, but that is definently not the only problem here. And if you believe that it is then you see only what you want to see and your part of the problem. I don't use the race card and I hate when anyone else uses it and it's not justified but there is definently something going on here that has nothing to do with these peoples homelife(poor parents). If other socially, and financially stable races were put in the same positions and predicaments as blacks were years and years and years ago to the present time, do you think that you or they would be(as a race)where you are today? Do you think that your lives would be as easy or as hard as it is today? If you say yes then your not only wrong but your lost. Him using that word has been in the news for about 3 or 4 days or longer now morning, noon and night news. When will the state of the schools become first priority and get airtime as well. Out of sight, out of mind huh?
Senator Meeks demagoguery style is such a turn off. Although I yearn for more outspoken African-American politicians who are not afraid to confront the powers to be, it would be much better if they had more class than Mr. Meeks. He's been so successful barking in his pulpit that he thinks he can carry that style over to the political arena. Unfortunately, his colleagues are too afraid to stand up to him and call him on his blowhard rhetoric. He goes about intimidating other activists and elected officials with his large following and financial wherewithal. As a man of the cloth, he should use more discretion. It's good to speak the truth, but his vulgarity is a dishonor to the Christian ministry in my opinion. Unfortunately, too many of our people view his talk as "telling it like it is." I think he talks down to our people in order to draw masses to his flock. It's strictly manipulation. That sermon that has raised such a fuss is nothing new. It is the essence of who Senator Meeks has come to be.
Please read the artical dated 11/20/05 from the Chicago Tribune. The artical named "POLITICAL SERMONS STIR UP THE IRS" writen by Vincent j. Schodolski
This hits the nail on the head!
I wonder. Is Meeks a pastor or is he a politician? I can easily recall from the Bible certain verses avoiding this type of conflict, but I won’t get into that here. He needs to make a choice. What is his ultimate goal? What does he plan to do? Is he not satisfied with building a congregation big enough to fill a mini-stadium? He’s already starting to think like a politician. He has his religion as his platform. His church is his podium. His congregation is his campaign staff.
He cannot be half-stepping like this, constantly switching between apparently different roles. He needs to make one of two choices. The first choice is to hand over the church to someone he trusts enough to pastor it so that he may pursue politics. That would entail a lot. He would need to surrender the ministerial license and drop the title of Reverend. Not even a position of leadership in the church would do for, doubtless, his priorities will shift. It seems a bit much, but such measures may be required to avoid any conflict in the future if he so chooses this path. Personally, from what I’ve read, Meeks has already started to abuse the pulpit and position to promote his platform and advance his political career.
Now, here’s the second choice. I believe this one to be nobler. Give up politics. Meeks would concentrate on his primary target. According to the website, Salem Baptist Church of Chicago is 22,000 strong. Behind that pulpit he can raise up powerful, God-fearing men and women to place in strategic positions to better the lives of the citizens of Chicago. I don’t mean by him instilling them with his own political ideology and personal viewpoints, but, rather, building their character and integrity. Imagine an entire army of minorities who will give death to the stereotypes and standards that are forced upon them. A pastor has no place in the political arena. His obligation is to the congregation and the community, where political leaders can and should look to him for guidance. Coming from an inner-city ministry myself, we challenge people to rise above their circumstances and make something of themselves.
I know Meeks has potential to be an authoritative man, and where he chooses to wield that authority is his choice. All I ask is that he remembers Who gave it to him.
There is only one pastor that I respect who was a strong proponent of social reform because he chose not to enter the political arena. That man was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please don’t taint hi