Marcus Stokes is a lesson for all to learn from.
The high school quarterback from Florida recently had his scholarship to the University of Florida withdrawn by the school after he posted a video of himself using the “N-word” while rapping.
Bad enough he said the word, but to complement the violation by posting the video and ratting himself out is almost as ignorant as the action itself.
Some will say that he’s simply a teenage boy who made a mistake.
Others will rush to his defense by claiming that he was simply reciting the lyrics from a song and that he isn’t racist, especially because he “has Black friends.” (probably).
These are boilerplate excuses that always circulate when these situations occur.
Yes, he didn’t write the lyric, but he should damn well know not to say it.
And he should definitely not repeat it while filming himself saying it. That’s so stupid that he deserved to be punished.
So is Stokes a racist? Does he have racist tendencies? Should he be punished for simply repeating what someone else said?
As to the first two, I don’t know. But as for the latter, the answer is yes. He needs to learn that actions have consequences and, contrary to what MAGA Republicans believe, you must be held accountable for the things you say and do.
We just witnessed something similar with Kyrie Irving.
While Kyrie isn’t anti-Semitic, his decision to post the link to the controversial documentary was irresponsible, so he deserved to be disciplined. I still feel the redemption checklist assigned by the Nets was excessive, but Kyrie returned to the team Sunday night after being suspended for eight games without pay, so hopefully he learned the lesson that Joseph Tsai wanted him to learn.
The situation involving Marcus Stokes is part of a larger issue about the usage of the “N-word” and the justifications for using the word and its derivatives.
A few years ago, a debate actually erupted regarding using the “N-word” with an “a” versus “er” at the end. That was actually debated by white people who wanted to define and justify the usage and intent of how the word was used.
And some actually partook in that ridiculous debate.
Regardless of whether it ends with a vowel or consonant, that word should be off-limits.
It’s derogatory, harmful and degrading.
And despite the number of rappers who foolishly claim that they can change the word’s narrative and impact by using it until it becomes ineffective, its purpose remains. It is a verbal weapon meant to insult and demean.
Rap is a powerful tool, generating billions and changing the lives of many.
Yet the genre’s use of the word has always been disturbing and frustrating. It’s so powerful that it actually empowers white people into ignorantly believing that they can use the “N-word” because an artist says it.
So if artists like Jay-Z, Nas and Cardi B say it, it must be permissible right?
Wrong.
That word should never be used, and that’s especially true for white people.
And Black people, that goes for you too.
Regardless of the intent, “my ni**a” is not a term of endearment.
Young Marcus Stokes messed around and found out the hard way that the “N-word” isn’t one to play with. He learned the hard lesson of what happens when keeping it real goes wrong.
And if he were really keeping it real, he would know that “no snitching” applied to himself as well.
So next time, choose wisely.
