Language is not a simple thing
Monday, March 5th, 2007
The Institute is grateful to be a part of a larger synergy that is steadily growing in this country - a synergy for all of us to rediscover, reclaim, and rejoice in true community. Part of that synergy was made visible in late February when Stillman College hosted a 4 day conference examining the history and use of the “n-word”. As reported by CNN - Organizers said the goal of the event is to challenge the use of the n-word “through the use of intelligent dialogue and a thorough examination of black history.” Seehttp://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/24/nword.conference.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
The Stillman Conference is part of a larger conversation taking place on this subject among recording artists, city councils, educators, the media, and members of Congress. A website, http://www.abolishthenword.com/, is dedicated to this cause as well.
We are grateful for any serious conversation that seeks to educate, heighten awareness, and work for change in language and actions that have caused incalculable loss, pain and damage through the years. Understanding that words are formative and often take on a life of their own is essential to civility. We must choose our words at the deepest level of caring.