U.S. Patent Office Don't Play Dat!

Dear U.S Patent and Trademark Office,
I am writing this letter to thank you for having the common sense and decency to reject Damon Wayans' bid to trademark the name, "NIGGA" for his proposed clothing line. In fact, you have dismissed this bid twice, along with the misguided attemps of numerous others to trademark this word.

I applaud you for upholding the act by Congress that says you cannot register a word that is scandalous or that disparages a particular group. Although Mr. Wayans may stand on his soapbox and argue, like many others, that "Nigga" is a term of endearment for a segment of the Black population, and by owning the word we diffuse it's derogatory power; we all know the bottom line is, Mr. Wayans is anticipating this label will stir up a lot of controversy which will result in huge sales that will line his pockets with cash, because he can count on the ignorant to jump on the SHORT BUS with him.

Please, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, don't back down from your stance, uphold the dignity of those who can see past the all mighty dollar, and recognize that words have power and have been used throughout history to provoke, demoralize, belittle and exploit.

Mr. Wayans' has somehow confused what might be funny in an IN LIVING COLOR sketch, with what would be inflamatory in the real world. Perhaps it's because his tired TV show, MY WIFE AND KIDS, has been canceled, or maybe it's because his real life WIFE has canceled their marriage and is demanding huge alimony checks to support his numerous KIDS. Whatever the reason, don't let this CLOWN manipulate the standards of our government and the dignity of a people to reignite a faltering career and diminishing bank account.

The next time Mr. Wayans applies for this patent, turn him down, but offer him an alternative. How about Club Foot Shoes? Since Mr. Wayans was born with a club foot, that he has dilegently masked throughout his career, perhaps he would get a "kick" out of it - pun intended. Or better yet, maybe he would get a sense of how humiliating labels can be, and limp his lame azz back to the drawing board.

In closing, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, I want to give you "two snaps up in a V for Victory" and thank you once again for protecting the American people from the ego of a comedian so desperate for attention and money that he can't hear his ancestors screaming and spinning in their graves.

Respectfully,
chyman@blogspot.com