This is a reponse to a response. I’m offended by Jerome Bobo’s letter about Rhaason Mitchell’s article. Are we no longer allowed to call ourselves what we wish? Even when we’re trying to make a point? To make a point, the man called himself a nigger, not the African American community in general. Himself, not you. Himself, not me. Himself, not my goldfish. Have I made my point yet?

I myself, tend to call myself things. I’m happy to admit that I’ve called myself stupid sometimes, because I have been so at times. I’ve called myself an idiot for the same reason. If I call myself a b***h, it’s because I am one at the time, or was in the situation I’m discussing. It is self-depreciation, not community depreciation.

And so what if his definition doesn’t fit that of the Oxford English Dictionary? It was used to make a point, not to be 100% accurate. It is the opinion page after all, not the fact page. Rhaason also called himself a spook and a coon, but you didn’t take offense at those terms. Personally, I find those more offensive, since nigger has joined the ranks of slang among some African Americans; and therefore gained some minimal acceptability. Spook and coon — and for that matter, WASP, wop, honky, Jewish princess, towelhead, etc. — are just as offensive. But you didn’t bring those terms up, either.

Thanks for blowing off the whole point of his article. Glad you found a cause to be consistent about and invest yourself and your time in, though. OOPS! There I go. I’m just being a b***h again. Must be that time of the month, huh? (Note the sarcasm tag!) Just remember, if you don’t want it to continue, teach your own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, if you can, to be different. That will go a lot farther than complaining. I’m proud to call myself a teacher, even if that might be offensive to some.

Lisa Keipp

Post B.A. senior

Student teacher in history