The Klansman Who Won't use the N-Word By: Jon Ronson

In The Klansman Who Won't use the N-Word, Jon Ronson revels that the Ku Klux Klan is aiming to be viewed in a new more positive image, but Ronson also shows that the Ku Klux Klan is instilled with the same principles as they first started out with; that whites are supreme.  ""Think and Grow Rich, The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz.  How to Win Friends and Influence People"" (pg 182) Thom, the leader of the Klan explains they need an image makeover to win over society because they have been viewed poorly by America, due to Hollywood.  The Klan shows a positive image by treating the narrator, Ronson nicely.  They treat him as if he was part of the Klan and he was even given the privilege of wearing the uniform of a Klan member.  Even though the Klan put on a positive image, Ronson shows that behind that mask is a menacing monster.  This is shown throughout the text subtly.  ""...nigger..." said somebody in the darkness nearby." (pg181)  Phrases like this one are put into the narrative interrupting the conversations Ranson has with Thom.  This shows that the Klan will never change its basic principles.  They might be friendly, but it's used as a tool to gain the trust of others.  Ronson in The Klansman Who Won't use the N-Word illustrates the Klan’s new image to gain an advantage in society and shows that the Klan has the same principles as they began with.

The Klansman Who Won't use the N-Word by Jon Ronson I thought was hilarious because it was a Jew visiting the Ku Klux Klan.  My favorite part of the narrative was when Ronson put on the uniform of a Klan member.   It was not just because Jon Ronson was in a white ghost outfit, but it was also the awkward moment before he put the uniform on.  I can see the Klansman asking Ronson if he wants to try the uniform on and then having the emotion of "o shit" or possible a dumbfounded smile.  Either way it was outrageously funny.  To me the Klan will never take the step in the right direction until they do something heroic.  Even then they will have the past against them therefore if even just one Klan member steps out of line they will fall back to where they are now.  I was intrigued by Ku Klux Klan when I was younger and decided to go on their website. The memory is vague, but I remember watching a video that was not very well done and that had a Klan member circumnavigated his points. My emotion from that memory is seeing something obscene and what I thought was stupid.  Just from that memory and the Klan's past I believe that the Klan will never be able to take climb in the right direction. 

Bitch By: Beverly Gross

In Bitch, Beverly Gross explains how the word bitch is used in society.  She illustrates this point by having many definitions of the word bitch showing that is demeaning, but concludes by showing a way to escape its negative connotation.  Throughout the text the word bitch is shown as a demeaning word and "A word used by men who are threatened by women." (pg 78)  Gross explains that this threat- being called something- is everywhere and for women it is being called a bitch.  The word bitch defined by Chapman was called a ball buster.  "n. Somone who saps or destroys masculinity." "Ball-whacker" (pg79)  Someone who saps or destroys masculinity?  This demonstrates the point that men wish to be dominant in society and if something demotes their "manhood" it is rightful to call that thing a bitch.  Gross shows that the word bitch is an ultimate weapon men have to humiliate women, but Gross also shows a way to conquer this ultimate weapon men have. ""I enjoy expressing myself"" is the key to defusing the power of bitch to fetter and subdue." (pg48)   It's as simple as that, just say that one has the freedom as men do; to speak what’s on one's mind.  Beverly Gross goes through a tedious list of definitions of the word bitch just to illustrate demeaning and how incorrect it is to call women “bitches.”

I enjoyed this reading because it went through an endless list for the word bitch.  It is tedious to read definition after definition, because it is so repetitive, but it gets the point across.  That it may be tiresome for women to keep hearing the word bitch over and over again and it does not matter to women what that definition means to that man.  I grew up in Catholic school and the belief was if one named something demeaning it loses its beauty.  So calling a woman a bitch would be considered a high act of disrespect.  Also I learned that if one names something one has power over it.  For instance, what if I called someone a fairy to insult them and a group joined in with me.  Wouldn’t that man or woman lose their self esteem; become powerless?  I believe so.  The world should be a place where one can freely express themselves and not be insulted for speaking their mind.  Gross shows this very well in her work, Bitch.