MEMPHIS: Word draws Council scrutiny - Brittenum says 'minority' outdated, wants it stricken

Memphis Comercial Appeal ^ | 8/18/7 | Alex Doniach

[SmithL]

In an effort to address racial inequality, some Memphis City Council members are asking for a removal of the word "minority" from the city's vocabulary.

Calling it "outdated terminology," City Councilman Dedrick Brittenum has sponsored a resolution, up for discussion Tuesday, to eliminate the word "minority" from city documents, except when required in state or federal contracts.

Brittenum said the word doesn't ring true in Memphis where "people of color are not the so-called minority." Also, classifying a group of people as "the minority" fosters a mindset of inequality and lumps different people in a single category, ignoring unique cultures and histories, he said.

Brittenum is advocating the use of specific classifications, such as African-American, Native American, Hispanic. He's also pushing for positive words such as "diversity, inclusion, participation."

"It's not going to move mountains but it will help get us away from old mindsets," he said. "Change starts with symbolism."

Councilman Joe Brown, who could not be reached for comment, suggested elimination of the word a few months ago during a committee meeting, and Brittenum joined in support.

Other municipalities, such as San Diego, have already eliminated the term to positive effect, Brittenum said.

But whether other council members will support the resolution Tuesday remains in question. Council chair Tom Marshall said friends and colleagues haven't reached consensus on whether the term is considered offensive.

"I think there are some in the white community who are confounded by the notion that the word minority has pejorative overtones," Marshall said, adding that he'll support the resolution if others do.

Brown has asked the council's attorney to weigh in on the legal ramifications and address how city programs -- such as the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Participation Program (M/WBE) -- might be affected by a change in vocabulary.

Nisha Powers, owner of the civil engineering firm Powers Hill Design LLC, is an Asian-American who isn't offended by the term minority. She said programs that support small, minority-owned business, such as M/WBE, are a good way for companies to get connected.

"I wouldn't want to see anything that jeopardizes that tool," Powers said. "If the intent of this resolution is to be helpful to that tool, then great. If it's going to hurt it in any way, then you want to be careful how you craft it."

Luke Yancy, president and CEO of the Mid-South Minority Business Council, called the resolution a "good cause" and said although he doesn't associate the word with a negative meaning, others might.

"I think they are basically saying that for those people who view this word as being negative, we want to remove all doubt by changing it," he said.

However, Charles McKinney, a professor of African-American history at Rhodes College, said that while well-intended, this resolution runs the risk of oversimplifying a complex social issue.

"We can't be deluded into thinking that changing words in this particular instance represents something other than an initial step in an ongoing process," McKinney said.

[SmithL]

Maybe they should hire Ray Nagin as an Urban-language consultant.

[hsalaw]

Also, classifying a group of people as "the minority" fosters a mindset of inequality and lumps different people in a single category, ignoring unique cultures and histories, he said.

Maybe it's time to quit whining about "inequality" and forget the so-called "unique cultures and histories," and just consider themselves "Americans."

[BenLurkin]

Nisha Powers, owner of the civil engineering firm Powers Hill Design LLC, is an Asian-American who isn't offended by the term minority. She said programs that support small, minority-owned business, such as M/WBE, are a good way for companies to get connected.

Smart lady. Doesn't want to turn off the spigot of goodies that flow from taxpayer paid perks based on racial preferences.

[Ozarkie]

So let me get this straight....only one...or only certain races can actually be a minority...and when they are not anymore the word ceases to have meaning? Memphis never disappoints. LOL

[armymarinemom]

Oh my goodness. The Memphis City Council is never effective but always entertaining.

[Roccus]

When ya outnumber the “majority” by more than 2 to 1, somethin’s gotta change.

http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/popInfo.php?locIndex=12561

[Condor51]

In Chicago 'Hispanic minorities' are now the majority of the population, followed closely by the 'black minorities' and trailing are the white 'majority' (approx 300 yuppie Cub fans /s).

So now they officially call the Hispanics the: "Majority Minority". If it was Blacks leading it would be the same: "Majority Minority".

But in no case shall the TRUE white minority population be called such. They're still considered the 'majority' even though whites haven't been the majority in Chicago since about 1980 (and even longer as to school enrollment).

I'm series. This PC nonsense has made them all certifiably wacko.

[BenLurkin]

Good point!

[YHAOS]

"This PC nonsense has made them all certifiably wacko."

In the meantime, the cold-blooded murder of the English language continues apace.

[AlexW]

I agree. “minority” is a stupid PC word.
Call then what they are, “BLACKS”.