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This is not the first time Jay Z has produced lyrics that can be viewed as racist. Not only am I offended by the "all black everything," other lyrics, and the video, I am equally offended by the usage of the word "homo" by West. If I, as a proud, white individual used the "N" word so freely in a song, I would be crucified by the press!

The double standard regarding racism in our country is horrifying. As a white individual, I am always expected to feel guilty about my white ancestry, even though my mother moved from Europe to America in the 1960s; thus neither my immediate family nor my ancestors participated in the institution of slavery. However, after reading the book, The Known World, by Edward P. Jones, I was completely shocked by the tradition of freed black Americans buying farmlands and purchasing other black Americans to work those farmlands during pre-civil war America. This is a piece of history thoughtfully omitted from most American history books.

And, yes, I said, “black Americans.” I refuse to use African-American because I feel we are all AMERICANS … period; no hyphenation, no separation. Doesn’t using African-American go against the entire civil rights movement? I thought the central theme of this movement was to not be separate and to be looked upon as being equal.

I know I will be looked upon as being a racist for these comments. However, if the white community created a television network celebrating the history and accomplishments of only white individuals, or a magazine devoted to white issues, or white award shows, or scholarships for outstanding white students, or a white history month, etc., then these white participants would be viewed as racists.

It’s unfortunate that white AND black Americans have to suffer through any type of racism. However, I will not allow the acts of a small, racist minority to continue to tarnish my history as a white American.

So, what’s your opinion? And, please, let’s debate this issue without unnecessary attacks upon each other. This is the reason why race relations are still so poor in our society; we are unable to engage in intelligent agreements/disagreements without attacking each other personally.
To respond to "Being … any other minority is hard to understand if you don’t put yourself in their shoes." I can put myself in their shoes. You see, I am gay. Therefore, I understand being attacked daily, beaten, and overlooked by our government. Maybe I should have mentioned this in a footnote.
To Alexis: Are you kidding me? This is the reason why I picked the new song by Jay Z, I knew it would strike up many uneducated responses. Just to keep others up-to-date on what you said,

"Itz not even that serious.. U need to chill tha fxck down just cuz he sayz no homo. Aint nobody tryna offend gay ppl in that song. Nd all black everythin dont even refer to race. Hez talkin bout carz nd shxt"

This response is the epitome of stupidity. And you totally missed the point. I asked for an intelligent debate. No bashing, no taking what I said personally.

Once again, if I said the “N” word in a song and then told people not to take it personally, do you think they would? Absolutely! The double standard in our society is amazing!

As a black person I really have no respect for Jay Z, no one likes to believe a black man can promote racism/segregation.
My race is irrelevant – but when someone like this starts making uneducated statements he just passes it on to the hoards of young people listening to his music.

We are all human, no race is better than another race – Jay Z lets us all down – black, white, whatever you wanna call it.

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