Is This Thing On?
I’m not a comedian. I’m not a clown. But I have a sense of humor.
At least I thought so.
Maybe I do. Maybe I just need to stop trying to write with one.
The problem is that I find a little bit of humor in everything. Even the most serious of things. Life’s too short to not be able to laugh about it every once in a while. Besides, sometimes humor can shed a little light on where the problem really lies.
My recent post about the “N” word apparently ruffled a few feathers and caused a few people to get the wrong impression of me.
My apologies, if I offended anyone. I’d rather cut off my pecker than offend anybody.
I am not a racist. I think anyone who knows me or has been around this blog for a while knows that about me. Nor do I use the “N” word. It’s just not a part of my vocabulary.
That was sort of the point I was trying to make: that the “N” word can be so not a part of someone’s vocabulary that they are confused about what th “N” word even is. It’s all about what you’re taught.
Of course I do know what the “N” word is. You can’t grow up in this part of the country and not hear it. But I was trying to illustrate that it’s not the word that is the problem so much as what is behind the word…what the intent is when it is used.
Words are just sounds. They are just the mouth, tongue, and throat making waves and vibrations that are caught on the ear.
Think about words that change meaning over time. Years. Decades. Centuries. The sound is still the same, but the intent is different. Even the “N” word itself has changed over time.
I know that now it’s often used in an ugly and hateful manner. But, the rap culture has reinvented the word and it’s starting to change again. There it’s almost used playfully and with affection. The word could just as easily be “cupcake.” It’s all about what you are taught.
“What up, my cupcake?”
“Cupcake, please!”
(Sorry. I went to the humor again.)
I’m not saying that the use of the word should be accepted or even common practice. But my point is, sure, you can ban cupcakes. But the cupcake haters will keep on hating.
Hate the hater, not the cupcake. Or better yet, change the hate. That’s the real issue. Otherwise, the haters will just find another word.
You hear what I’m saying?
(P.S. My apologies to the vegetarians, too.)
January 16th, 2008 at 7:51 am
For years, I have tried to remove “hate” from my vocabulary and my thinking. Works pretty well.
And I think you have a very pleasant sense of humor.
January 16th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Very well put, I think your sense of humor is great. Being from East TN also I get it. Thanks.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I wouldn’t worry about any of the over-sensitive idiots whose feathers got ruffled … however successful or unsuccessful the humor might have been, you were clear in expressing your play on the word “national” … if they can’t/won’t make the effort to absorb/understand your writing, the I say fuck’em.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:33 am
oh please like you would cut off your penis.
and your humor is what brings me back for more. its like mine. stop apologizing. people get offended at the slightest things. its their issues not yours big boy.
i love you.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am
It’s a shame that a few folks didn’t “get” your post about the “N” word. I can’t imagine that they are regular LT readers. I went back and read the 2 negative comments that were posted–I feel they totally misinterpreted what you were saying.
Some people just don’t have a sense of humor, or appreciate it in others, or enjoy witty sarcasm, or recognize the difference between social commentary and hurtful mockery. They should go read someone else’s blog.
And I’m sure the Attorney will tell you, vehemently, that nothing you wrote makes you eligible for the penalty of castration!!!
January 16th, 2008 at 11:00 am
As a longtime reader, I did not suspect any racism on your part in your previous post and the humor was not lost on me either. The point is that that word is fraught with so much emotional baggage that it does not lend itself to humor very well at all. Paricularly not to those who have felt its sting.
Rap culture, in my opinion, didn’t reinvent the word so much as appropriated it for its shock and commercial value. Their use of it is really rather sad and self loathing.
With MLK day approaching I think you’ve done us all a great service by providing a contemporary context to his struggle. By the way, did he ever use the “N” word?
January 16th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Let me just say that although you may not be a clown, I love the cartoon you on your margin! And, you are a very funny man without a racist bone in your body. I love what you write!
January 16th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Well I obviously knew you were kidding. I wanted to make a second comment and tell those folks to get a sense of humor. I was a bit surprised no one said anything about what I had said for a comment. I was ready for the hate mail. I’ve been called racist before. which I thought was funny as hell considering I had a “colored”, “black”, “African American” boyfriend for 5.5 yrs.
Anywho, they are the ones that didn’t have a clue.
January 16th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
anyone who has a problem with largetony being criticized on this blog need to get a clue . if you put your opinion out in a public forum you offer yourself up for criticism . let’s get a fact straight rap culture did not turn the ” n” word into a term of endearment . black folk have been using the ” n ‘ word in that way as long as i can remember and i’m damn near 40 . if you want some humor and a little education check out pal mooney’s ” know your history : jesus is black and so was cleopatra ” , you will laugh your asses off. tony i think u are cool you just touched on a sensitive subject and some people including myself didn’t dig it . now if people don’t like my opinion i say fuck them , i don’t have to like everything and i have a right to speak my mind as they do . oh and no need to cut off what i’m sure is a beautiful pecker .
January 16th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Hot topics burn. You got scorched. Braver than most.
January 16th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I enjoyed your post on the “N” word. I’m not surprised it generated a lot of emotions. I will however continue to argue that banning or avoiding the use of the word only makes it more powerful. Rather than banning labels we find offensive we should be holding them up to the light. My only problem with being called faggot is if it is said like “faggot” is a bad thing. If so, then the discussion needs to start with “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
January 16th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Oh great! Now you’re using the “C” word?!
There’s nothing wrong with being critical of a differing opinion. You’ve been criticized on previous posts. The issue is, however, how that criticism is delivered. Criticism expressed with respect is completely legitimate. Criticism expressed with sarcasm and name calling is just plain impolite.
January 16th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I am just wondering how many of these comments that inform you not to worry are from Afro-American readers? (Don’t tell me it doesn’t matter - let’s just say it is just for sociological purposes).
Because rap artist have popularized the word does not make it any more acceptable.
Being the black person that I am and to be perfectly honest with you, I was not amused. The racist environment in Germany is not that pretty. You do have readers in foreign countries that are still being overtly confronted with racism.
Humor has a lot to do with timing and being attuned to socio-political environments especially in this worldly platform called the NET.
January 16th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Wonderful post. The world changes with one heart and soul at a time; and it is impossible to change others if we ourselves don’t change first… leading by example and that is what it sounds you are trying to do.
Thank You,
-C
January 16th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
You’re funny. There’s not a mean word in your vocabulary. All of your blogs ooze kindness, caring and insight. And you love being ironic and use words for all their worth. And I love you for it. Anyone who thinks you meant anything racist in your essay just can’t read.
(No, this is not ironic nor tongue in cheek, just what I think.)
January 16th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I’ve been waiting all week for an apology to us VEGETARIANS. I’m highly offended and put off. How could you!?
let’s do a comedy show together. We could go on just after Ellen and before American Idol.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Tony, your blog is the bomb. That’s why I check it every week. I don’t care if you use the “N” word or the “C” word or Vegan. Keep up the entertaining posts and I’ll keep reading and enjoying.
January 17th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Why don’t you like cupcakes, Tony? We cupcakes lovers of the world are hurting now. Our frosting has melted a little. Our hands and lips tenderly gather all our lovely chocolate and vanilla and cherry-chip cupcakes in solidarity.
You are a loved, and funny man.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I can’t imagine that there is another word in the entire world with as much volitility as THAT word. And as a white man, I did “get” your post. But I also did a little gasp inside, that you did choose this particular topic.
I think, mostly, it’s not our word. I think it best that we just not go there. Maybe because I’m older (59). I don’t know. I could be wrong.
Quite a post, though, wouldn’t you say?
January 18th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
This is your blog and your feelings. Don’t ever apoligize for being yourself and saying whats on your mind. Thats half the problem in this country, noone ever says what they really mean.
January 19th, 2008 at 3:52 am
I do not think you need to apologize for anything just like many of the previous posts states. You were only speaking your mind and the fact that you allow comments gives others a chance to speak their minds as well.
I think race is a conversation that needs to be discussed in America, but with all of the events lately concerning nooses and other symbols of hate. You honestly can’t expect to touch that subject without receiving some slack for doing so. I love your blog and didn’t stop reading it for one day, but I wanted to let you know how I and obviously some others felt.
I totally understood where you were coming from and now I feel you got my point (or lack there of) as well.
January 19th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Hi. Faithful CONSCIOUS black reader here. I didn’t mind your post on the “N” word. I don’t speak for all of my race, but I didn’t mind it. You don’t have to apologize. It’s YOUR blog after all. Anyone who doesn’t like it can just not visit.