By Nick Dawe – Viewpoints Writer
Some words are more powerful than others. In the public eye, people are expected to dance around the use of inappropriate ones.
As much as the racial tension from previous centuries is behind us, it is still a sensitive issue. Certain terms strike a nerve with people they relate to. The n-word for example, is a remnant of slavery in the Americas. Many people are greatly offended when the word is used in a derogatory fashion.
When it was revealed to the press that Jeremy Clarkson, the host of the most popular television show in the world, Top Gear, recited the n-word in a child’s rhyme, it was reported by the Daily Mirror. He denied it however, “I did not use the n word. Never use it. The Mirror has gone way too far this time,” Clarkson said via his twitter account. Although the word was said years ago in a take not used by the show, it still reveals another side of his character. One has to wonder about someone who uses the term loosely while being filmed for millions to see. What kind of person is he behind the lights and cameras?
This is not Clarkson’s first slip up either, earlier this year he was filmed using a derogatory term towards Asians. Obviously this problem is something related to his personality. He is a funny man, but his humor goes too far. He can not sacrifice the integrity of his show for the sake of one joke.
Clarkson has been quoted in a video made May 1 apologizing for the use of the term multiple times. Despite his efforts to quiet the issue, he owes something to those he has upset. The popular star will not likely be fired, but he needs something to show him his behavior is unacceptable. The result of his actions could lead to something like what happened to Paula Deen, who was fired from The Food Network for the use of the same term.
The show will most probably take a hit for this mishap, and possibly give him a reason to be more careful. Many black viewers around the globe may not feel the show is suited for them anymore, knowing that Clarkson uses terms such as the n-word jokingly.
There is no reason to bring the bad relations of the past into the modern world. There is no place for them in a time when everyone is equal. Words like the n-word are better left forgotten.
