Jay Z said "I believe that a speaker's intention is what gives a word its power." When he says the "N word", he may exude positivity... But there are plenty of people who still use the "N word" with racist and violent and hateful intentions (even national media figures: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-14-rosenblog-oct14,0,5154334.story ).

Perhaps what Jay Z is saying, is that it may be possible to crowd out, or dilute the violent intention of the "N word" with voices that are empowered...
Permalink | Report

Both Jay Z and Oprah made good arguments for this topic, but in the end I have to agree with Oprah. While Jay Z certainly made a good point when he said that "a speaker's intention is what gives a word its power" it is not the only thing that gives a word meaning. Words also carry certain meanings by the associations people make when they hear them. Some words can be too painful for people to hear and it's best to avoid them at least in public situations such as the one Oprah described. This applies not only to this word but also to words used to describe women, homosexuals and many other groups in derogatory ways. While there will always be people who are not offended or hurt, the pain that these words can cause to some people is simply enough reason to avoid using them.
Permalink | Report

Jay-Z was brilliant, Oprah was Oprah:

"Oprah: My creed is that intention creates reality.
....
Jay-Z: I believe that a speaker's intention is what gives a word its power. "

So, does Oprah believe her own creed, that intention creates reality? When Jay-Z uses her own creed to describe his intention as a part of creating a reality where people don't have to cringe and cower, or be overcome with outage or sadness every time a particular word is used. That is the reality that his intention creates, yet Oprah doesn't even grasp the point. That was THE point of the discussion, and she totally missed it.

And how smart is Jay-Z? He commented on Oprah's creed in an affirmative way at the time she verbalizes it:

"Jay-Z: Now I'm having an aha moment! That's true."

Then a few minutes later he uses it to explain to her, in terms she SHOULD be able to understand (her own creed?). This is when Oprah should be having an "AH-HA moment". Instead, it goes right over her head.

The whole discussion seems easily boiled down to this:

Jay-Z wants to be part of the solution and move on to unify, Oprah refuses to let go of the ugly and hateful past which divides.
Permalink | Report

I feel that Jay Z's generation has taken ownership of the N word. They own it now. If you use it as a term of endearment, as a way to communicate brotherhood, then you have turned it on it's head and you own it. I feel that this is a positive and powerful thing.
Permalink | Report