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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 northernstar.info/opinion

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Logan Short 815.753.9643

Perspective

Racial equality lies within language; not simply civil rights

If we cannot share the triumph of this revolutionary word with the people we care for (regardless of race), was Dr. Kings I Have a Dream speech in vain?
word, and its meaning, did not cease to exist after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. The end of humiliation by slave owners, however, eventually became the beginning of the social supremacy of white racists during Taurean Small Columnist the civil rights movement. This is because the word, ni**er psyAmerica: The land of the free. chologically demoted its owner to This is a land that rose up against a lower class, making them feel social inequality and racial di- and appear (during the times of vides. Yet, why are we enslaved by the Jim Crow Laws) of lesser value to society. our exclusive ethnic customs? Fortunately, after the civil The N-word has taken on many different interpretations over the rights movements, the advanceyears. Sadly enough, as a nation, ment of the African-American has we are still not able to move for- been very substantial. Additionally, although there ward because of it. We are still showing signs of will always be racism in the prejudice and social separation if world, this nation has incrementhis word is only authorized for tally seen the abolishment of this word. However, it would later be use by African-Americans. How can we move forward as a replaced by the word ni**a. Although it uni ed nation if we are may sound very letting words segregate Even if we are just similar to its orus yet again? Of course, igin, this word I cannot go any further in our reasoning, is without acknowledging it ethically sound to takes on a new connotation. Its the history of this word, segregate words? meaning repreor rather, the word it sents a mutual was derived from. History tells us that the word recognition by two people of colnigger was used as a symbol of or. Beyond that, the metaphysical degradation and inferiority to any and all African-American context of the word symbolizes a slaves throughout the 18th and shift in power, for a word that was 19th centuries. Additionally, this detrimental to not only our sta-

Devin Dion | Northern Star

tuses as citizens, but to our relationships with each other is now a sign of endearment among African-American people. Although this word may not be harmful to people of color, is it truly harmless? Once considered vile by nearly everyone, the word has undergone profound change, further dividing and confusing the races, wrote Kevin Aldridge, Richelle Thompson and Earnest Winston of The Cincinnati Enquirer in an

Aug. 2001 article. They continue to state, Many young blacks and some young whites increasingly use the word as a sign of friendship. Yet use of the word is risky in mixedrace company, even among friends. Some African-Americans who use the word say whites never should, which bewilders some whites who see a double standard. If we cannot share the triumph of this revolutionary word with the people we care for (regardless

of race), was Dr. Kings I Have a Dream speech in vain? Kings vision was not to shift the social hierarchy to where African-Americans are superior to whites. His dream was for equality of all men, regardless of skin color and ethnicity. Even if we are just in our reasoning, is it ethically sound to segregate words? If history tells us anything, segregation by the hands of any race is ultimately detrimental to everyone.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | Your voice

John Farrell earns votes for his experience and established relationships
lationships with law enforcement and other community organizations in DeKalb County. Please stand up for what is best As a Democrat, on Tuesday, Feb. for DeKalb County on Feb. 2. Elect John Farrell as the Demo2, I will be casting a vote for John Farrell, our current States Attor- cratic Party choice for States Attorney. ney. John didnt get my vote because He is the most quali ed candiI watched him grow up as a child, date and will continue to serve he earned my vote with the job he with honor and integrity. has done as Chief Civil Assistant for DeKalb County and now States Sincerely, Attorney. Prior to serving in DeKalb County, Mr. Farrell established a record of success with over 100 felony convictions, 30 murder trials and being the lead attorney for the largest settlement case in Illinois history against the tobacco indusBarbara Votaw try. Sycamore John has also built critical re-

Chamis experience and focus on troubled youth deserves a win

Sarah is experienced in the prosecution of domestic violence and crimes against children. She is particularly concerned The primary election on Tues- about the impact that violence day, Feb. 2, is an important day. and substance abuse has on the The voters of DeKalb County will youth of our communities. The use of the internet and have an opportunity to select the candidate they would like to electronic means by criminals see as their States Attorney in has created new challenges to law enforcement. the November general election. I encourage voters to support Sarah will work closely with Sarah Gallagher Chami as your all law enforcement, social serchoice. Sarah brings the intel- vice and mental health agencies ligence, dedication and experi- to utilize the most innovative ence necessary to be the chief and effective methods of interlaw enforcement ofcer of the vention and technology availcounty. Sarah has been a crim- able. I have spent my entire proinal prosecutor for her entire legal career. fessional career in the elds of She is committed to ensuring mental health and family and that all victims of crime are rep- child welfare. I know Sarah will be a strong resented well.

advocate for the most vulnerable of our crime victims. When we are able to intervene in a family or childs life early to stop a pattern of trouble with the legal system, we help those individuals toward being productive community members. Secondarily, we are saving money at the local and state levels. Sarah Gallagher Chami will make an outstanding States Attorney. She is smart, strong and looking forward to being your States Attorney. Support Sarah by taking a Democratic ballot on Feb. 2 and casting a vote for the next States Attorney of DeKalb County. Lori Imes DeKalb

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