Larry Wilmore Used the N-Word at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Larry Wilmore, who hosts Comedy Central’s satirical news program The Nightly Show, has gotten mixed reviews for using the N-word while speaking at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this month.
Read what he said in the Time article here.
What do you think? Weigh in on our poll below!
Absolutely NOT! I know Mr. Wilmore is a Comedian but that was totally out of line. We, as African Americans, must maintain a certain decorum everywhere we go. The use of the word itself should be banned from public consumption and for it to be used towards our first African American President was distasteful in my view. It just did not feel right to me. I am embarrassed and sorry that it was used at a night designed for fun and laughter. The use of the “N” word is NO laughing matter. Just my 2 cents worth.
I heard Larry Wilmore interviewed on NPR explaining that he made that statement to the President as an acknowledgement. He said there’s a difference between the N word with an “er” versus an “a” and while he knew it was provocative and a risk, he meant it with the utmost affection and respect. Not having been a target of the N word or the hatred behind behind it, I know I can’t understand ithe power of that word, but I think Larry Wilmore was trying to take some of that power away.
I concur!
We give life to that which we focus and based on Larry Wilmore’s comments he knew exactly what he was doing — provocative and risky = selfish PR move that seemed to work now landing him on the likes of NPR to further explain his sentiments and generating quite a bit of buzz elsewhere, not to mention the collateral damage destined to result in more “teachable” moments. Excuse me while I regurgitate this lack of accountability and leadership respect demonstrated while as an invited guest at the house of the highest office in the U.S. Oh, sorry — it’s okay — Larry is black. Heaven forbid Larry been a white male (yes, I’m going here) or even someone addressing the CEO of their workplace in the company of dignitaries, guests, staff, etc. Larry would be fired – Trump style, “Your Fired!” We keep making this about the word when it’s about accountability and leadership respect. Come on folks — even when Eve complained the snake beguiled her in the Garden of Eden, God still held her accountable resulting pain and suffering for generations to come. This the important lesson to learn. How about we take the power out of the word by just stop using it that goes for all people, including black.
I agree with all the comments on this subject. The N word should never, ever be used. I thought it showed a lack of respect to our POTUS and to all people of color. There should be certain words that is off limits to even the comedians. This is no laughing matter!