Time Wise starts out by clearly stating his position that
the term in question is not one that should be used by white people to describe
black people. He supports this by explaining that historically the terms has
had been used in a negative way, as a form of insult. Wise provides the analogy
of the term “red-neck” being somewhat offensive and only appropriate coming
from certain people who are involved in that society to make the situation more
relatable. He goes on to say that if the specific term is to be reclaimed, it his
place, or right, as a white man to take part in the reclaiming.
What struck me most about his lecture was the way he was at
ease with the idea that you can recognize racial differences, see that even in the
nation as a whole, we are divided by cultures, colors, and attitudes, BUT that
does not have to been seen as a bad thing. It is important to realize that you
are not racist simply for recognizing differences, you are racist when you use
those differences to deem another person beneath you. This is a difference that
I think many people have forgotten.
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