Look Who’s Using the “N-Word” Now!

What do Duane “Dog” Chapman, Don Imus, Michael Richards, Rush Limbaugh, Nicky Hilton, Paris Hilton, George Bush, Amy Winehouse, and now Charlie Sheen, have in common? Well, besides their celebrity status and being White or Jewish, they’ve all been documented as either using the word “ni**er,” or in some other way, shape, form, or fashion making degrading remarks about African Americans. Of course, what happens next is all too predictable: the avalanche of apologies to the Black community, and the perpetrator’s proclamation to the world that they have wonderful Black friends. And the band played on! Just for kicks, let’s review the above mentioned cast’s “black” history of the racist sort (in no particular order), and try to determine if it’s a slip of the tongue, or pure, heartfelt race hatred.

Charlie Sheen: It has recently come to light that over three years ago this television and movie actor left a voicemail message for his estranged wife at the time, Denise Richards, wherein he called her, as represented throughout the White mainstream print and electronic media, a “f------ n-----.” Of course, Us Magazine issued Sheen’s public apology: “I deeply apologize by my choice of words to all I have obviously offended; especially to Tony Todd, an African-American, who was my best man at my first two weddings.” Best man in public. Worst man in private. Sheen, you’re so sheer that we can see right through you.

Michael Richards: This sitcom star was filmed, though unbeknownst to him, spewing highly offensive speech regarding Black people. As one source put it: “Seinfeld star Michael Richards exploded in a vulgar, racist tirade last November after being heckled by members of the audience during an out-of-control comedy routine.” Richards rattled off the “N-word” with the shameless, earnest precision of some of our popular Black rappers, who themselves should refrain from using it.

Duane “Dog” Chapman: Before it came to light that Sheen showed his true colors via his voicemail from hell, this modern-day reality star bounty hunter (who likens himself to an animal) used the “N-word” with arresting ease, also via voicemail. For both him and Sheen, voicemail was used as blackmail regarding Black males! Duane “Dog” Chapman lost his show, but only temporarily. You see, he apologized. As has been reported: “After his popular reality show was put on hiatus after using the n-word in a phone conversation with his son, Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman will be back on A&E macing bond-ditching criminals just like in the past.” This is yet another example of African Americans being ‘dogged’ by the “N-word.”

Rush Limbaugh: This conservative talk show host made controversial statements regarding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Rush Limbaugh’s comments implied that McNabb received well deserved praise primarily because he’s Black, not because of an impressive career at the position. White quarterbacks are considered “natural,” more “intelligent” leaders on the field while Black athletes are considered ‘naturally’ gifted in strength, speed, and endurance since they’re closer to animals is the implication. What a “rush” to judgment! Limbaugh lost his EPSN gig as a result of the controversy.

The Hilton Sisters: Paris and Nicky Hilton of Hilton Hotel fame have become infamous for their racism in a recently released video. It’s surprising for some that Nicky, usually better behaved than her older sister, has become the twin terror in this recent video debacle. Here’s how one Web site put it: “In this latest video, Paris and Nicky dance around a house party spewing racial and otherwise offensive epithets to the delight of their other rich, White friends. Paris mocks Black people, Jews, gay people, overweight people....in other words, just about everybody who doesn’t look and/or act like her and Nicky.”

Additionally, another source says that “Paris was accused in 2004 of using a racial slur against two Black men who asked if she would model their fashion line.” Interestingly, around this same time in Las Vegas I attended an exclusive party given in behalf of Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, where the Hilton sisters were guests as well. When I was interviewed I was told that over 200 million people in Europe were watching. In any event, inside the party, where I was asked to speak as the Jackson Family Spokesman, I passed on the opportunity to meet the Hilton sisters. I didn’t get a good vibe from them.

The first source mentioned above concluded with an observation and quote from an alleged friend of the Hilton sisters: “Of course, Paris insists she’s not a bigot. But supposed friend, oil heir Brandon Davis has suggested otherwise, candidly describing Paris by saying, ‘She is a racist, plus an idiot.’”

Fuzzy Zoeller: Professional golfer and former Masters champion (1979), Fuzzy Zoeller, with a drink in his hand, told his White friends the following about the young Black phenom named Tiger Woods: “That little boy is driving well and he’s putting well. He’s doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it?” It didn’t stop there. He then turned and added, “or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.” Tiger, you may consider yourself a “mixed race” man who’s married to a White woman. But, as long as you have a drop of Black blood in you, well, they see you as coming straight “outta da ‘hood,” where they serve “fried chicken” and “collard greens.”

George Bush: When the Bush Administration and North Korea’s President Kim Jong Il were in a heated battle of words, Bush called the North Korean leader “a pygmy.” Now, Il is already short. And as for Bush, who isn’t very tall himself, he would need rescuing in five feet of water. So being vertically challenged isn’t the issue. What makes Il so awful, according to Bush, is that he’s worst than short: he’s both short and Black!

Amy Winehouse: In a film clip shot by her husband “Winehouse and [an] unidentified friend are seen giggling and singing the lyrics: ‘Blacks, Pakis, g--ks and n-ps ... and deaf and dumb and blind and gay,’ while sitting on a couch in a dingy apartment.” Of course, Winehouse, who has Blacks in her band, apologized. And the beat goes on.

Don Imus: This shock jock is shaking ‘em up again. After calling Rutgers basketball players “nappy-headed hos,” he recently made controversial statements regarding NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones. Of course, Imus says his comments were misconstrued. There are many more examples, but I just don’t have the column space to cover them all. So who’ll be the next luminary to “blacken” his reputation with a racist remark?

Granted, no one can read another’s heart. And indeed, “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? (Jer. 17:9) And the tongue, no one can tame it completely. (James 3:1-12) Still, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt. 12:34) So what we all need to be willing to do is “put on the new personality.” (Eph. 4:22-24) In the end, we’re all the same under the skin. Amen.

Dr. Firpo Carr n can be reached at 800.501.2713 or

Published in : Op-Ed, Dr. Firpo W. Carr