Things aren't always what they seem.
Turns out that even applies to "no brainers".
Here's the deal.
Eva Hoeke quits as Editor-in-Chief of Jackie magazine
As a result of a recent publication in Jackie magazine, issue 49, a worldwide outcry arose over an article on page 45 entitled “De Niggabitch”, which refers to Rihanna and her fashion style. This word is used as slang in the United States.
Throughout the various social media there has been an emotional response to this choice of words, as published in Jackie. As a first reaction to this editor-in-chief Eva Hoeke said via Twitter that the choice of words was meant as a joke and offered an apology to anyone who felt offended. This reaction stirred up even more commotion, as Hoeke herself also referred to the term elsewhere in the magazine.
In a second reaction through Twitter, Hoeke came to the following conclusion: ‘1. Don’t publish bad jokes in the magazine 2. Don’t pretend bad jokes to be funny. Sorry guys. My bad.’ The response on social media now took on an international character. In a third reaction Hoeke even stated that she would rectify in the next issue of Jackie. This morning Rihanna replied on the article through Twitter. She was furious over the use of the word ‘niggabitch’ and ended her message with ‘Fuck you Eva’. Through social media Hoeke was taunted and threatened in various ways.
Following these events she consulted with publisher Yves Gijrath of GMG. Together they came to the following conclusion: In the interest of Jackie Magazine and all involved she will quit her job as editor-in-chief effective immediately. Hoeke states: ‘I realize that my first reaction through Twitter, in which I indicated that it was a joke, has been an incomplete misrepresentation what me, and also the author of the article, meant. The term ‘niggabitch’ came from America and all we did was describing a style of dress. Because of the enormous pressure through social media I was enticed to promise amendment regarding the linguistic usage in future issues of Jackie. Apart from that I also offered an rectification. I have now come to the conclusion that rectification is not the right solution. I regret that I have taken a stand too quickly regarding an article in Jackie — which moreover had no racial motive at it’s basis. Through the course of events, me and the publisher have concluded that because my credibility is now affected, it is better for all parties if I quit my job as editor-in-chief immediately. After putting my heart and soul into Jackie magazine for eight years, I realize that these errors – although without malicious intentions – are enough reason for leaving.’
Publisher Yves Gijrath regrets the state of affairs and praises Hoeke’s attitude, who primarily thinks of the credibility of the title, which – as she realizes herself – would have been damaged had she stayed. According to Gijrath there’s no doubt about the intentions and qualities of Eva Hoeke, however he does think this joint decision is the correct one. Hoeke concludes: ‘I should have counted to ten before taking unsubtle stands through social media channels. Through this my credibility has been hurt and that neither fits the role of an editor-in-chief, nor Jackie Magazine.
Jackie Magazine will invite Rihanna to share her feelings and thoughts on the article in the next issue.
The offense committed here is obvious and both the resulting reaction and resignation combine to make up the aforementioned no brainer.
Then, again...
While it certainly qualifies as the most celebrity centered, even dramatic, example, to date, of this issue, it's also, just as certainly, not the first time we've been round this corner.
And our old friend, Mr. Double Standard, has reared his/her ugly head.
One need not subscribe to, or reject, any particular racial, spiritual or even moral philosophy to be aware that terms, slang or otherwise, like this are commonly used as part of the black cultural vernacular.
The very same American black music business where Rihanna makes her living is saturated with examples.
Let alone the daily conversational tone of any number of a variety of racial/socioeconomic groups in the country today.
And while that elusive rascal, common sense, not to mention its equally ambiguous first cousin, good taste, cause people to instinctively take offense at, and reject the use of, these kinds of references, the unambiguous truth is that, common sense or no common sense, their use is common.
So, the knee jerk question that arises here, "how dare you call me such a thing?" gets replaced with another, seemingly fair, question.
"...why is it okay for you, and others, to say these things, but not alright for me and others?"
The easy out is the oldest out.
Two wrongs don't make a right.
But the easy out is too easy.
Because, fair being fair, we all have to deal with a simple truth.
We can't have it both ways.
Regardless of race, creed, color or our own particularly unique individual way with words.
So, it needs to be considered socially acceptable to use the term.
Or it needs to be considered socially unacceptable to use the term.
For everybody.
Personally, I'm not down wit callin' my homies "nigga".
Let alone "niggabitch".
I like to think I've got a little more to offer my friends and/or acquaintances from my vocabulary.
And I sincerely do understand the idea that Rihanna would be offended by being referred to that way.
But when the very same commercial music culture where Rihanna lives and works repeatedly, and more and more frequently, sends me the message that it's become socially acceptable to do just that, I have a problem being chastised for it.
And an even bigger problem with someone from that culture crying foul.
Not to mention "fuck you".
It's either okay.
Or it's not.
Simple truth has no color.
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