Be Political Not Polite

Language is a barometer of hatred and prejudice. We must be

vigilant in recognizing and discontinuing the use of words with

which we oppress each other.)

When you speak you often use

Some racist word or sexist phrase

That makes me stop you in your tracks

To note the error of your ways

And I know you find it boring

But it seems to me the only way

To correct you, to object to

The hurtful things you say

Right the wrongs of human rights

The risk you take can save a life

Silence keeps us all in darkness

We can't change it overnight

But we can shed a little light

Be political, not polite

I cannot be satisfied

Knowing just how much you care

I want an ally with a voice

Defending me when I'm not there

'Cause being actively supportive

Is the greatest gift that you could give

By demanding understanding

We can change the world in which we live

Words can hurt, words can heal

Make us think, make us feel

And they're every bit as deadly

As a bullet tearing through the land

For if our words create the climate

Then the blood is on our hands

Every time we hear a joke

That takes a shot at someone else

If we speak up for their rights

We are speaking for ourselves

'Cause we will never have true freedom

'Til everyone of us is free

From the silence and the violence

That's become our history