Sticks and stones may break bones but words always reap more havoc.

Tension amongst different races has always existed, but with its existence has come the use of degrading words.

All one has to do is look at history to see this. During the Civil Rights Movement, the African-American population endured the horrible “N” word. Asians were referred to as being yellow. Hispanics have been degraded with stereotypical language. And even the white man has been called a cracker.

Tension within the races has encompassed name-calling and fighting. We have been taught to judge someone by the color we see, but instead we should look at the person on the inside. Instead of using vulgar language to address an individual, we should refer to them as what they are — sir, ma’am, or even friend.
People have fought and died to have equality in this country. Yet, we still fight over hurtful words. It lessens these people’s sacrifices when we are so accepting of degrading words in our own races. It has been said that African-Americans use the ‘N’ word loosely towards others in their race, but if an individual from another race uses this term it is considered rude. If we are accepting of such distressing terms, it allows for the acceptance of degrading terms against all races. We cannot allow our country’s sacrifice to go unjustified by allowing these terms to be used. We cannot change history but we can make a change now.

The fact of the matter is that no matter what way these terms are used, whether between friends or strangers, it is rude and unnecessary. Shooting racist jargon at anyone should not be acceptable among any race.

No matter what color is seen on the outside, the content of one’s character is what we should look to the most. To be treated with respect and kindness, instead of using degrading vulgarity to diminish them as a human, should not be such a daunting task. We are all people and should be treated as such, even in something as simple and powerful as speech.