The "n-word" — what a complicated topic to discuss in 2015. You're either for its free expression or against its very existence.
Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to be referred to as a "colored person," with signs hanging on walls that designated where I could use the men's room or where I could sit down to eat inside of a restaurant. I can't even comprehend running through the airport headed toward my Delta Airlines flight to the Virgin Islands just to be told by the flight attendant that all the seats on the plane for the "colored people" are taken. Or arriving at a hotel with my luggage in hand just to see a sign that reads "whites only."
A few months ago, I was asked during a panel discussion in New York City whether the music industry has a level of responsibility to the black community when it comes to choosing lyrical content. I said yes, the industry has a responsibility. But as an author and writer, I also recognize a responsibility to the community in the expression of art. Is it OK for me to use the n-word word in my writings to describe real conversations in urban settings or to illuminate discussions of intensive nature?
Often times I think about the younger generations. Their interpretation of the n-word is different than that of those who came before. Their exposure to blatant racism is different.
That's not to say they have had zero exposure to unjust prejudices, because we all know that not to be true. And of course some would say that the racism today is more subtle but just as destructive. Nevertheless, it has to be somewhat confusing to the "Y" generation to be asked by their parents and elders to not use the n-word, yet they hear the word postured throughout pop culture.
At the end of the day, each individual must ask what our level of responsibility is as creators of art/expression when it comes to the n-word. Some say that art imitates life and vice versa, but should there be a line in the imaginary sand? When a young rapper who grew up in East Baltimore witnessing crack cocaine use decides to write lyrics about his experience, should he be censored by us? Should his life experience be altered when he's trying to express his view of the world through his eyes?
With others, I always take this conversation back to the examination other types of art and expression, like paintings, sculptures and poetry.
In the 1970s Richard Pryor was one of the most extraordinary comedians to ever roam the planet earth. And his spewing of the n-word word during his comedic rants is legendary. Mr. Pryor was chastised and criticized by many but still filled concert halls across America. Some would call his performances "inappropriate." And still the question of his level of responsibility to the black community — especially when the civil rights movements was still so fresh — was asked.
But in 2015 what does this history mean to us who may disapprove of the forbidden word while employing it on television, in music and through other types of art and expression? Should the n-word word be buried? And if so, will it be resurrected once more by the movie and music executives who have legally pocketed millions of dollars from the expression of art and music? And if I sold a million books today describing my upbringing in West Baltimore laced with the dreaded n-word, would I too be just another capitalist creating personal wealth for myself while disregarding the hard work of African American pioneers like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King?
Is this really freedom of speech protected by the Constitution or is it part of a misunderstood culture of indifference?
Is it possible it's both?
Kevin Shird is author of "Lessons of Redemption" and a youth advocate. His email is kevin.shird@yahoo.com.