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I went to see the debut of the Jackie Robinson movie, “42”, and left feeling some kind of way. Sometimes I think I see a movie through a somewhat different lens. I’m not sure why that is – if it’s just my nature or possibly the result of being African-American. I’m guessing it’s a combination of the two. It is that combination, coupled with being from a generation not yet far enough removed from feeling inextricably linked to the collective historical suffering of a people that brings me to this post.

We all know the contemporary, controversial use of the “n” word, frequently touted by many rappers (and others). The fact that the use of such a word could be considered controversial intrigues me. The use of it by rappers, who happen to be predominantly African-American, perplexes me. I definitely am of the opinion that routine, pervasive use of the “n” word is by no means acceptable.

My daughter’s generation seems to have acquired what I attribute to be most rappers’ perspective regarding the use of the “n” word in rap music, which happens to have a substantial influence on a significant number of youth of all races. On more than one occasion I’ve heard a rapper’s rationale for using the “n” word; a word so historically heinous, hateful, and harmful… and in many instances, targeted towards the rapper’s own race. Are you ready for it? Here it is:

Regular and routine use of the “n” word (in rap) takes the power out of the word.

Aha! I finally get it! Yes, I can see how that could be. When you take the power out of the word, it no longer has the negative historical connotations that once created its power, right? And when it no longer has the negative connotations that created its power in the first place, problem solved. Makes sense to me. Except for one thing…it’s not working.

Why is it not working? Because if it was, the power that the “n” word generates would dissipate, but it isn’t.  How do we know this? Because generally when a White person refers to or uses the “n” word in virtually any context involving African-Americans, uncomfortable tension, to put it mildly, ensues. It was not intended to be a word that the power is taken out of strictly for African-Americans who hear it, use it, or may be called it. Its intention, one would think, would include taking the power out of the word by those who historically wielded the word, parlaying its power and negative connotation in the first place.

So how did Jackie Robinson and the movie, “42” manage to lay to rest the controversy surrounding the use of the “n” word so frequently used in rap music?

Because, to borrow a quote from the movie: “God built Jackie to last”. Otherwise, how could Jackie have ever managed to survive what he had to endure to break the color barrier in baseball? Not only was Jackie Robinson a super human ball player, he was a super human being…complete with awe-inspiring talent, discipline, tolerance, integrity, unfathomable self-restraint, courage, emotion, and the guts NOT to fight back. And from what I gathered and cannot imagine is the guts it must have taken not to fight back, particularly under the circumstances and times that Jackie encountered. Not to play into society’s perceptions of African-Americans, and particularly males, as being angry and violent despite the fact that anger and violence was constantly spewed at him was critical to the success of the mission. The minute Jackie displayed any behavior that reinforced the ignorant and racist perceptions of him as an African-American, the “game” was over and we would not be where we are today.

What makes “42” so powerful is the realistic and true portrayal of what our hero endured to get where he got, fueling our ability to not only dream to be, but to be who we dream. But the brilliance of the film is its ability to connect the viewer to Jackie in such a way that you can’t help but relate to him and feel for him as a great young man and a fellow human being with a hell of an unfair burden to bear. And he bears the burden beautifully.

Now here’s where I think the movie makes its mark with the younger generation; many of whom are seemingly becoming indifferent to the nature and magnitude of the sacrifices made throughout history. The movie, keeping within a 3 year time span of Jackie’s life, incorporates some of the significant events leading up to and including the inevitable breaking of the color barrier in baseball. Key to the impact of the movie is the fact that Jackie is and remains a very young man throughout the movie and the viewer comes to see him in such a relatable way on a human level that you can’t help but feel deeply for him and his circumstances.      

The pressure of being in Jackie’s position is palpable. One doesn’t have to be African-American, male, or play baseball to not only feel Jackie’s pain but actually hurt for him. To be able to understand to some small degree what it feels like to be bullied, picked on, and degraded while trying to remain courageous in the face of it all. Most of us who are inclined to see the movie have lived long enough to have likely encountered such situations and we weren’t the first or only ones designated to catapult change. So we can relate, but we can not imagine. It is these events that allow us to garner just a glimpse of the depth of pain and suffering as well as the courage, conviction, and strength of character that necessitated the ushering in of the breaking of the color barrier and what that meant for the future of America, African-Americans, and baseball.

There is a scene in the movie when a little white boy playing ball is said to be observed rubbing dirt on his skin as he tells his friends that he wants to be like Jackie Robinson. If it didn’t already occur, it is then that you can’t help but recognize the reach of that most momentous historical event and the subsequent magnitude of the impact of the change that was destined to come. It isn’t just about being a great baseball player that the little boy is conveying. It’s about encapsulating and emulating the qualities and characteristics that made Jackie Robinson not only a great baseball player, but an American hero and more so, a great human being. It can be done without using the “n” word, in spite of the “n” word, and most definitely in light of the history of the use of the “n” word.

See You Next Wednesday!              OXOXOXO

Please note that donations for Military Child Month are underway and your help is needed. Please consider giving $5 or any amount you can give to the National Military Family Association. The link directly to the association and the phone number if you prefer to call is below. Be sure to type GrowGratitude in the comments or mention it when calling. Thank you for your support!

http://www.militaryfamily.org/get-involved/donate/giving-opp/

703-931-6632, ext. 325

Also, feel free to check out the Military Child Month blog post. Let me know what you think!

https://growgratitude.com/2013/03/27/lets-growgratitude-for-military-child-month/