The power to define words is the power to define culture; it is the source of power in Hip Hop and the streets. Yet, everything has polarity and that which can be seen one way can be seen at least one other way, if not more. This is why the saying "You can't please everyone" is common. Perspective is everything. The conversation between Dave Chappelle and Maya Angelou is a great expression of this principle with both sides seeking balance. The older generation must be open and sympathetic when hearing the younger point of view. The younger generation, with respect to the older generations' connection to the past, must show compassion in the way they choose to express their new ways of thinking. I think Dave did this beautifully when sharing the conversation he had with Mos Def. Yasiin Bey commented on the paradox of how they used the word to divide the culture and we use the word to unite the culture because of Hip Hop now whites want to be N-words to because it means something different to them now, but we resist that unity. How will we ever find peace, if we are constantly forcing others to fall in line with our way of thinking? Information has to go both ways for proper communication. We need to reclaim our birthright, a universal understanding that allows for individual expression with judgment but without condemnation, or in other words, FREEDOM.
















