Lawmakers Propose Resolution Banning N-Word In LA

Los Angeles, CA (AHN) - A resolution has just been proposed in the second largest American city to discourage the use of the N-word. The non-binding resolution was introduced by City Councilman Bernard Parks, who is African American and a former city police chief.

Parks' measure describes the N-word as a slur that "connotes a lazy person with no self-respect or regard for family, does not speak proper English and has childlike qualities."

The proposal, which will be voted on by the City Council on Friday, also calls on residents "to encourage all others whom they may encounter in their daily routine to cease from using the word."

The introduction of the resolution comes in the midst of recent noose-hanging incidents across the country. The most recent one involved the head of a black mannequin hanging from a noose outside a home in New York. A piece of paper on the mannequin had the "N-word" written on it.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has recorded as many as 50 suspected hate crimes involving nooses. It says the increase is partly due to the coverage of the Jena 6, when six black teenagers were accused of physically abusing a white classmate in Jena, Louisiana more than a year ago.

A similar resolution was passed in New York City a year ago after the racial slur was used by former Seinfeld actor Michael at a Los Angeles nightclub.