THE WORD
“It would be interesting to ask a young person using the ‘N’ word, ‘How would you use Hitler?’ “
Would we expect a Jewish person to run around with that rationale, and would the same argument be valid to try to decrease the power of the word by using it in a different form? I do feel there are valid arguments on both sides. If you’re using the word with a group of friends and everyone knows the meaning amongst them then they have a right because of freedom of speech. When I’m in America and talking to my friends, I don’t have a problem talking about the good and the bad of America. But, when I’m overseas and I meet somebody who’s bashing America, No! I will not put up with it because it’s my country so have some respect for me!
“The image speaks to me about the importance of educating our young people. It speaks to the importance of not having generation gaps, but respecting our elders in the community, staying connected to our grandparents, our ancestors. This is sorely lacking, particularly in our community. So something like the “N” word is thrown around in society and this disturbs me because it keeps people down. If young people knew what pain was behind that word and the intent of that word, they wouldn’t use it so freely!” – Blane shares his feelings
MENTAL PRIVILEGE
“Material possessions cannot be enjoyed after death. But millionaires rich in life force are able to freely make use of the treasures of the universe in lifetime after lifetime and enjoy a journey of eternal happiness. This is what constitutes proof of true victory in life.” -Daisaku Ikeda
In this country we have a term “minority group” referring to anything from race to political party, but I would like everyone to consider themselves not being of a minority by virtue of the fact that we’re American, and privileged beyond “Main St.” Being born in this country, you could say there is a class system. What I would like people to consider is that even on the level of homelessness, when you think of it in third world countries compared to what it is in this country, it puts all Americans in a different class. I don’t think anywhere in the world should someone be homeless! It’s crazy that we have homelessness in this country, it shouldn’t be!
When you have a country that has free education, free libraries, it comes from our taxes, we do pay for it, and that in and of itself is privilege. That we have to go to school to get an education reflects the fact that we are born pretty wealthy to begin with. Which brings us to the mind. Now you have to understand that your mind has to be educated in order to take advantage of the privilege that you have. There are people in this country that cannot read or write and that makes no sense to me! If you don’t tap into the power of your mind you’re just closed to so many possibilities.
The America Idol, Fantasia, who was in “The Color Purple” said she was illiterate and look at what she did. Now you can’t tell me that we’re not in a really wealthy country that gives you opportunities if you’re willing to look at them, get past the blame, and take action. She was able to use the intelligence of her mind to take her to another level and it didn’t have to be through textbooks. She used the gifts that were within her and she went forward with it. So anyone born in the western world and especially in this country is already starting from a privileged background.
The middle class have a harder time than the poor and the rich in this country because we’re paying to keep the rich wealthy by buying products and we’re paying through our taxes to help the poor. As middle class we need to be a lot more in control of where we are, where we’re going, what we’re doing, and recognize propaganda for what it is, because at the end of the day we’re going to pay for it one way or another. We come from a privileged country, we have great minds, and if we use our minds first to make sure we take care of ourselves, our families, and our community, we can help America as a whole to be richer!
“With my design consulting company I make sure my clients are in touch with their own greatness or inner potential so that they are not depending on things outside of themselves to feel complete. After our consultation, not only are they in a mindset to save money, but they are also in a powerful place to attract wealth into their lives. This is really important for me!” - Blane shares his mission
That’s very important! Being empowered within your own world, if it’s just you and your home, you and your spouse, you and your family, if you allow yourself to be the leader of your own destiny then there isn’t anywhere you can’t go because you’re not being distracted by what people think you should have. Literally, I mean how many people needed to stand on line for the I-Phone? It’s a great tool, I’m not disputing it, if you can afford it, if it’s part of your business, and if you can look at the cost effectiveness of “Own That I-Phone!” But, if that I-Phone at the end of the month is putting you back, and you could be saving that money instead of carrying a status symbol, take a good step back and say, “Who am I really pleasing in this?” Where’s your leadership at home, in your life, in your own destiny?
End of Part 3 of 4
Victoria Medina is the founder and photograhic artist of Numina Images Gallery.
Blane Charles is an author, designer and wellness consultant. Blane has ten years of experience working abroad in Canada, Europe, Japan and South Africa, and eight years experience as an Evening Wear specialist / Personal Shopper at Barneys NY. Blane has become his clients’ “Secret Weapon!“
Open, Liberate, Revive your Life through customized management of your wardrobe and interiors. Contact Blane Charles today at info@beautbyblane.com.
I feel very strongly that it’s ignorant to use the “N” word. There’s absolutely no excuse for anyone to use that word. We can’t say that young people don’t know. Everyone knows. Black people had been slaves for 200 years. We went through years of persecution and not being accepted even after we were given our freedom. And it’s still being talked about, the pain, the blame. I think everyone is still coming to terms with that. So how can anyone say they don’t know? Or that it’s just between friends? Yes, it is their right to say what they want. But they injure themselves and our children by not respecting what came before. I think we should acknowledge the “N” for what it is. We should always remember where it came from so that we don’t end up back there again.