Honkey

I propose the word "honky" be called "the H word" from now on.

The debate over the use of the N word by caucasian people is still a hot topic.

In my experience, it all depends on the situation and tone. I don't use the term, because there is never any reason too, in my surroundings. There was a time, though...

In the early 80's (1980's before my friends start making fun of me.) I worked for Circuit City, at that time known as The Wards Company, in a leased electronics and appliance department. The stores were called Zodys, which Johnny Carson once referred to as "Kmart without the warmth."

I worked in South Central Los Angeles, which was a very economic depressed area, with a lot of gangs, many whom I had the honest pleasure of working with. I was afraid at first, because I didn't understand the culture.

As time passed, however, I grew to be close to my co-workers. They talked to me about their lives, how they grew up and why they were in gangs. These were good people, and my friends.

One day, they asked me to be captain of our softball team. I'll never forget that day, because at our team meeting, I was told that I was to address the guys as "the N" word, so long as it was used in context.

It made me nervous, at first, but after a while, it just became natural, in that store, with those guys and in context. It was a term of endearment, and I was accepted. It was a great experience. They called me the "N" word as well.

When I first came to work there, they called me honkey, in a derogatory way, which I found offensive. I was told later, that there had been so many caucasian people who came and went very quickly, because they didn't like being around African Americans, so they didn't trust me. Can you blame them?

One of the gang leaders came into my department, and told me that he knew what car I drove, and that I could feel free to go anywhere in the area, without worry. There was another caucasian guy that worked for me, who was very prejudiced. The guy looked at him and said, "You better not even go to lunch.". He transferred out the next week.

Here's my point. There are so many colors and cultures in our world, don't slander, or disrespect anyone. We just don't understand the culture, and therefore, the vernacular. So, let's not use any racial term, unless you're in a situation like I was, when I was told to use it as a term of endearment.