The N-word Language matters
back to us. Once educated, doubling down on the argument of intentionality moves unintentional racists to the realm of overt racism: knowing how it is perceived fundamentally alters our intentionality in its repetition.
That doubling down is not an exercise in free speech or a conscious protest against “political correctness,” it is dogwhistling, and it, upon intentional repetition, is overt racism. We are compelled by social responsibility to condemn such doubling down.
I’m sorry for my failings. I admit, freely and humbly, that I am in many ways a hypocrite.
I also want to learn new ways to be better. I recognize that language changes with — shaping and shaped by — culture. New words sprout from the ether each day. Meanings change: Intentionality and perception are at constant odds.
I hope that those in whom we entrust our political leadership and an accompanying platform — a bully pulpit — can also reckon their brave commitment to one set of ideals against the reality of a fluid and evolving America: a care for language. I hope that more good people will learn, not doubling-down, and be examples to an atrophying group of otherwise good people who also need to learn that the success of this evolving America matters beyond its echo chambers and into the broader world: Language and words — intentionality and perception — matter.