The Write Way

The N-Word

Earlier this week, the NAACP had a mock funeral as a symbolic gesture of the organization's belief that Black folks should kill their use of the N-word.

For those of you who may not be keeping up with this issue, it's been a hot topic of late. The N-word, as we all know, was a derogatory term for Black people used first during slavery and oppression. In present day, many Black people have turned it into just a word used when talking with one another, some say a term of endearment ( I wouldn't go THAT far, but to each his own). And while Blacks use the term in everyday dialogue with each other and while rappers use it more than they use their own names, it isn't a term the Black community wants to hear others use to describe them.

So the argument goes, is that hypocritical? Truthfully, we each have to determine that for ourselves. I know that I can see both sides of the argument, but more importantly, and as usual, I think we are focusing on the wrong thing. I mean, let's be real, when a White person calls a Black person the N-word, it isn't because they love them. And as to what we (as Black folks) call each other, well, that's our business - whether it makes sense or not.

What I do know is that while we are having a mock funeral for the N-word, black-on-black crime is steadily increasing, the justice system is turning back the clock in our schools and soon segregation may once again reign supreme (and you can already see how predominately black schools are treated unfairly), racism still abounds in the workplace, the criminal justice system houses Black men like it's some kind of dormitory and there are still more Black children growing up in foster care than any other race.

So while I think having a conversation about the N-word may be important, we have bigger issues at hand. And while we worry about who is calling us the N-word, we need to be more concerned with who is treating us like one. If we don't get it together, before we know it, the clock will turn back on much of the progress we as a people have made, now THAT, is something to mourn.

The Great Balancing Act

So it's been a while since I've blogged... no excuses, here I am. I promise not to take such a hiatus again but I needed some time to think. I was working hard at trying to get my writing career off of the ground, so hard in fact that I was applying for work I really didn't want to do. Each time I quoted a job I was afraid I had bid too high. I had to remind myself of my worth and how not to devalue what I am capable of doing.

And then of course, I still work full time, have two children, a husband and a dog. I didn't know if I was coming or going, (and some days I still don't). There was the house work, the non-profit, and the list goes on. So, since bolstering my writing business wasn't a must, and I couldn't very well stop being a mommy and a wife, I let it take a back seat while I did a bit of reevaluating.

The truth is, while I am back at the grind, I am still in a desperate search for that new buzz word, BALANCE. How in the world do I find time to work (gotta pay those bills), take care of children, be a good wife, keep a house going, volunteer, attend church functions AND start a business? Someday I don't seem to be able to get my head above water. No matter how many times I clean a bathroom, cook a meal or wash a dish, there's always more housework to be done. And no matter how many times I tie a shoe, wipe a runny nose, fix a plate or put a band-aid on a scratch so small you need a magnifying glass to see it, my children still want the majority of my time. And I still haven't fed the dog or said a word to my husband!

Truth is, like I've said before, my 9 to 5, the job that pays the bills, is really in the way. I know I've said this before but I am still not quite ready to just take the plunge in my business without the safety net of a check I know I can count on. So, here I sit - trying to figure out how to make it all work. Got any suggestions? Until then, I'm making a few adjustments that I hope will work... I'll let you know how it goes.

way. I know I've said this before but I am still not quite ready to just take the plunge in my business without the safety net of a check I know I can count on. So, here I sit - trying to figure out how to make it all work. Got any suggestions? Until then, I'm making a few adjustments that I hope will work... I'll let you know how it goes.