word usage

[Snoopy the Celtics Beagle <snoopy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ryan W. said:
My bad. But, I still have the right, and will
continue to in the future, to use the word *****.
Perhaps on this list is not the best place. But I
think it fit Kedrick's situation....there is no reason
to get jerked around by O'Brien in the manner that he
has been (in and out of games and/or the lineup, with
seemingly no reason whatsoever). That said, I will
attempt to refrain in the future, but just as Eggy can
be whimsical, I can say "******". Plus, the word
itself, seeing as it was, is, and, in the future, will
be a racial slur, should only be censured when used in
such a manner. You must admit I didn't use it in such
a way. Furthermore the argument may be made that
using it in non-slurring manners actually helps remove
the power the word has to hurt. What are your
thoughts on that?

My first thought is that the subject isn't really appropriate to the list; 
but the question, having been asked, deserves an answer.

I don't know how you INTENDED the use of that word, but it's EFFECT came 
across in it's most offensive manner.  First off, is the situation of it's 
use.  We're not discussing "the Black players experience in the NBA", where 
if you were to point out an example such as what people used to call Bill 
Russell (in the Garden,no less) while he was playing.  That's historical 
fact.  Nor is this a review, say of "Tom Sawyer", during a time and place 
when the word was used freely, if wrongly in hindsight.

But you're describing, of all things, playing time for Kedrick Brown; who 
happens to be one of many players on the team who have dark skin.  To me, 
that is most definitely NOT a time, place, or situation where use of that 
word is appropriate.  Then, to me, there is pretty much NO such time.

Yes, I'm aware of people such as Whoopi Goldberg, who has publicly stated 
her attempts to "neutralize" the offensive nature of that word, among 
others.  And yes, I've seen Richard Pryor's stand-up comedy.

But again, they're dealing with different situations in a different 
context.  And they're not always right, either (Ladies and Gents, Ted 
Danson, Whoopi's former squeeze).

The problem is, I guess, that in my view--whatever your intent--your use of 
the word came across as a racial slur.  There wasn't much other way to take 
it.  And the forum, as I mentioned, wasn't a good choice.  Had you been in 
a private conversation with people whom you knew well (and vice versa), 
it's possible, even likely, they might understand your context, and not 
think ill of you for your choice of words.

But this is a public list, with a membership of demonstrable diversity in 
all sorts of ways.  The only thing we KNOW we have in common is the 
Celtics.  Some listmembers--including you--have been occasionally hostile 
to each other.  You're unlikely to get the benefit of the doubt in 
something like this.  Someone is bound to be offended, as I was.

Not only that, but the fact that the Celtics as a team have such a long and 
well-documented history of fighting racism, that the use of the word in 
describing a Celtics player is mind-boggling.

Would I be happier if such words lost their power?  Yes, much.  But that 
hasn't happened yet, and I don't think you helped any in your remarks.  I 
don't personally believe in censorship, but I do think we have a 
responsibility to speak carefully.  Words CAN hurt, as painfully as any 
physical weapon.  That's why we have expressions like "shot his mouth off", 
among others.

Having said that, I can't stop you from saying what you want, even if I 
disagree, even if I find it offensive.  But if you do continue to do so, 
then I may have to exercise my freedoms and not listen to you any 
longer.  I'm not trying to start a fight here, and I have no personal beef 
with you.  But I believe you were flat-out wrong, and while you CAN say it, 
I don't think you SHOULD.