Despite reaching a new level of “colorblindness” in our country, our nation still struggles with the way we handle race-related topics.

The media seems to have problems with mentioning certain words: the n-word in particular. In the most recent controversy, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, a radio talk show host, used the n-word 11 times on her show while speaking with an African-American caller.

Briefly stated, Dr. Laura expressed her disapproval of the fact that only black people are allowed to use the n-word. She considered African-Americans taking offense to the word when used by Caucasians as hypersensitivity.

In defense of Dr. Laura, the First Amendment allows us to say whatever we want, whenever we want. This is always brought to our attention in situations where a media personality risks losing his/her job. However, there are many words that will always have a negative effect. The n-word has a history unlike many others in our language.

It has been used to demean and in every way degrade an entire race of people throughout our country’s history.

Despite overcoming obstacles, the word is still often used to slander the same people. Keeping that in mind, why would Dr. Laura want to say such a word at all?

“It’s unfortunate that she chose this individual to share her opinion about race at this particular time,” said Moorpark College history professor Ranford Hopkins. “Her opinions went beyond the scope of the call.”

Dr. Laura was not asked what she thought about the n-word’s use, but it did not stop her from speaking her mind.

Seeing how the n-word was used in the past often confuses white Americans when it comes to its frequent use today.

Why are so many African-Americans willing to address each other by this slanderous word? How or why this came to be is unknown, but whether we believe what others say is ethical or not, we can always control our own words. What we say should always be honorable.