On December 6th, 2017, a woman by the name of Kathy Rae basically had her obituary read to her by Atlanta news anchor Sharon Reed after she called her the n-word. Responding to the racist comment on air, Reed gave one of the classiest clapbacks, opting to let Rae’s disgusting comment speak for itself.
The clapback does point to a deeper issue in the United States, where the burden of racism still plagues people of color in this country. While we may think that the n-word has taken on a new life of its own in rap songs and pop culture as the black community tries to reclaim the slur, its implications and history have a complete life of its own. It might be nice to think that America has progressed past its plantation days, but the reality is, there is more to overcome, and many more Kathy Rae’s to confront.
America was built on injustice and it is the foundation that supports it to this day. As much as we would like to say it casually in songs and in everyday speech, there still is an oppressive power structure that continues to distress black communities.
Black people are constantly berated for the color of their skin regardless of their social status, educational background or other identities, they are always reduced to their race by ignorant, racist individuals. Even President Obama, after the shooting of Trayvon Martin, said it made him think about his kids and his experience as a black man in the U.S. because he could have ended up in that situation.
The n-word came from a Latin word that simply was meant for the color black. After colonialism and imperialism got a hold of it, the word took on another life of its own, supporting the subjugation and destruction of colored peoples and the erasure of African identities and history. Cultural and social genocide occurred because black people became equivalent to animals, only worthy of exploitation.
In 2017, it is clear that it is still used in the same way.
When someone uses the n-word in such a demeaning and grotesque way, it is clear they know what it really means and why it should not be said. Moreover, it is clear that in spite of this knowledge, they insist on using it because they are simply racist and believe that to be black means to be lesser than and inferior. To be black means to be worthy of disrespect. To be black means not receiving the same treatment. To be black means to be exploited.
However, Sharon Reed’s response gives me hope. I know that black people are and always were fighters. They have experienced an oppression that is completely unique to their experience. The history of genocide and cultural destruction aimed to weaken and subjugate black people, but instead, they are still here, in 2017, surviving and thriving.
Black is beautiful. Black is strong. Black is resilient. Black is powerful.
Regardless of how many Kathy Rae’s there are in the world, there are many more Harriet Tubmans, Sojourner Truths, Michelle Obamas, Maxine Waters’s, and yes, Sharon Reeds.
So, to all the black people reclaiming their time and fighting the good fight, I thank you, and you inspire me. Regardless of how many Kathy’s you encounter, know that there will be millions of other Sharon’s waiting to back you up and fight in your corner. I know I am.
