I enjoy all kinds of “Black” or “Urban” music as it is now called.
I am not a prude, and I understand that the music of my generation introduced the ‘N’ word into mainstream society, through bands like NWA, Snoop Dog, Tupac, Notorious BIG, etc.
I understand that the genie is out of the bottle, and that the ‘N’ word has become a rhyming tool that is used by all the modern rappers, some of whom I enjoy. Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino and the like.
In the right environment, and amongst the right people, I have no objection to these lyrics, and where as I do not use the ‘N’ myself, I believe in the continued nuanced conversation about its use among black people.
In Australia I am encouraged by the increasing use of Black music as an incidental backdrop found in shops, restaurants, tv advertisements. However, a few situations have recently given me pause.
In the light of the rise of Nazis in Australia and the emboldened push from racists and the far right, I have found myself being more aware of my surroundings and attuned to potential dangers.
Over the past year I have noticed my gym is playing rap music that is almost entirely composed of the ‘N’ word. Amongst the right demographic this would not necessarily be a problem, however my gym is predominately made up of Asian and White people, which makes the use of this word blasted over the gym speakers unacceptable to me and the other Black patrons. I have spoken to the staff behind the counter, and written to the management of the gym, but have not received a response.
Last new years eve, I was in an expensive restaurant with my partner when the restaurant playlist started playing ‘N’ word songs that I similarly consider inappropriate for that setting. The only other Black couple in the restaurant were clearly also uncomfortable, so once again I approached the manager to discuss the playlist. This time I was brushed aside with excuses about it not being their playlist and them having no alternatives.
I think that there needs to be an awareness of the music that is being played in a public environment.
It would be considered unacceptable to play misogynist or sexist songs that made their female patrons uncomfortable, yet it seems acceptable to blast black racial slurs at decibels that are audibly comfortable in public places.
Jewish, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, or Mexican slurs would not be tolerated, not only by their communities, but by polite society, and would be instantly removed. So what is the difference with music that uses Black slurs and denigrates Black culture and people?
The use of these songs in public places encourages non blacks to openly and loudly sing along to inflammatory ‘N’ word lyrics that will insight violence if heard by a conscientious Black person.
Legally the ‘N’ word along with a combination of lyrics and situational context is an “incitement to racial hatred”.
I have been on a bus where white people were singing along to rap song containing the ‘N’ word, and I was forced to approach then and make my displeasure known.
I often find myself turning down or changing my music in the summer, when driving through predominately white neighbourhoods, because I do not want white people to feel encouraged on the use of the ‘N’ word because it is endorsed through my car speakers.
So what is the answer? How to we approach the inequality of unacceptable language? How do we stop the use of Black racial slurs in public places by non white individuals and corporations?
Answers on a postcard please.
The Black Caucus 