The last N-word of Chambersburg — hopefully
Pardon the title although this identification does not reference author.
Instead, the racial epithet plastered a wooden fence on Roebling Ave. between Franklin and Washington streets. Incredibly, N-word remained part of this landscape overlaid with unbelievable amounts of garbage for months. Thank goodness, someone finally covered up the word with wood stain.
The “N-word” of Chambersburg appeared out of the blue. One might expect that a Trenton police officer or city employee or a concerned passerby would have contacted proper authorities to note that there’s a “N-word” in Chambersburg!
Please, no finger-pointing. This “N-word” in Chambersburg situation became an experiment — to see how long the word could blare hate.
A time existed when “Nword” sounded inappropriate on all levels although currently the racial slur enjoys certain celebrity.
If this were a nasty swastika, that the anti-Semitic insignia had appeared, news media outlets would have reported the act of hate and intimidation. Somehow, incredibly, “N-word” has lost offense in a nation that has failed to resolve issues of race, gender and other social challenges.
N-word? We just should not accept this word although Black brothers allege “N-word” empowers us. At least, oblige this man with a proud color coded reference of Black “n-word” if the slur stands as part of your verbal repertoire.
People should realize that hate, despite all those signs that allege the human disease exists as homeless, is alive and well.
Hate lies around the corner. Hate offered a strong stench in a Hamilton restaurant. And, most recently, a 22-year-old gunman walked into a Colorado Springs LGBTQ club armed with hate and weaponry to kill five people and to wound 25 others.
We plaster a variety of items from NFL football helmets to placards and buttons with “End Hate” slogans attempting to extinguish hate but we will say nothing this Thanksgiving when hate enters our living room via guests and family members; when hate mingles with apple pie, mashed potatoes and gravy.
Our voices will mute when Uncle Charley visiting from wherever U.S.A. tells a Jew joke, Asian joke or startup with — Did you hear the one about?
We spend such exorbitant time talking about hate that the alternative receives no stage time.
Love wins, baby. Always will. It’s all we need, all we ever have needed. In this season of giving — offer thanks and love.