Dear Harley Barber, You Can Keep Your Apology
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Dear Harley Barber, You Can Keep Your Apology

To say that this is just a disagreement over what "freedom of speech" actually entails is offensive.

623
Dear Harley Barber, You Can Keep Your Apology
WVUA23

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018, many witnessed just how the internet in tandem with karma can serve sweet sweet justice. If you haven't seen the video of Harley Barber angrily yelling at her phone's camera, here's the summary:

Harley Barber [former] University of Alabama student and [former] member of Alpha Phi sorority posted an offensive video on her 'Finsta' account. In the video, she turns off a running water faucet and makes a remark about saving the n*****s. She says the N-Word three times in that video which is honestly three more times than that word should leave anybody's mouth ever.

After she received backlash for this post, instead of realizing what a racist she is, she posted more racist content, this time directed at the people who reported her to her sorority.

I won't quote this video but know that she spews the N-Word a grand total of 12 times in only 56 seconds. After the internet banded together to report Barber to not only her sorority, but also to her school, she was removed from both.

She issued the apology:

“I’m an idiot. There’s no excuse. I did something really bad. I did something really, really bad. I don’t know what to do and I feel horrible. I’m wrong and there’s just no excuse for what I did.”

Harley honey... keep it...

Never in my life have I wanted an apology less than I want one from you. If you are going to loudly be a racist, loudly accept the consequences. I don't want to hear any excuses for being young and stupid. I don't even want to see your crying face come across my television screen because your life has now been ruined. In a few years, I don't want to read the interview you'll give someone about how you've changed and how you now realize that your actions have consequences ... I don't want it. We don't want it.

This can't just be reduced to a difference of opinion. To say that this is just a disagreement over what "freedom of speech" actually entails is offensive. This has nothing to do with freedom of speech. This has everything to do with the fact that every word that leaves your mouth will reach another person.

Boldly yelling a word filled with hate with the sole intention of offending people... it's not right. If your character can't be judged by the words that leave your mouth, then how can it be judged?

No school or sorority wants someone like Harley Barber representing them-- and rightfully so. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from its consequences. Say what you want but when you get what you deserve, make sure you like it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

78543
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

48179
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

978306
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments