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Yep, I've gotta agree that this is one of Mike Freeman's better efforts, but he could've manned up with both testes instead of just one of 'em. To kick your point up a notch, I totally agree that idiots disrespecting their own race by using the N-word needs to stop. But this means that the answer to the question of whether Shaq has a right to say this word is a resounding "no".
Freeman says the answer to the white NFL quarterback's question is fairly obvious, and it is, but not for the reason he gives. The answer to why white brothas can't use words that black brothas can use is plain and simple discrimination. The black folks who insist that they can use this word while white folks can't put themselves in the exact same position that white folks did when they mandated that black folks sit in the back of the bus, stay out of certain restaurants, etc. Racism is racism, whether it's in reverse, forward, or any other gear.
The real solution to the problem is to either allow nobody to use the word, or allow everyone to use it, ala Blazing Saddles. Any treatment of racial words that allows one set of rules for some people and another set of rules for others only serves to keep the fires fueled.* If Mr. Freeman had made that point in this column, he'd probably have Pulitzer nominations coming out the wazoo.
* naturally, either set of rules suggested above would not apply to Irishmen.
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