Silent+Discussion

The "N" Word

Langston Hughes in The Big Sea (New York: Thunder's Mouth Press, 1940) offered an eloquent commentary:

"Used rightly or wrongly, ironically or seriously, of necessity for the sake of realism, or impishly for the sake of comedy, it doesn't matter. Negroes do not like it in any book or play whatsoever, be the book or play ever so sympathetic in its treatment of the basic problems of the race. Even though the book or play is written by a Negro, they still do not like it. The word nigger, you see, sums up for us who are colored all the bitter years of insult and struggle in America."

From http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/cultureshock/teachers/huck/secton1_2.html

Consider the following questions as we begin the book. You will respond (in a thoughtful and sensitive manner, please!) to EACH question at least once using the discussion tab above. You can, and should, respond to what others have already written as well as offering your own opinion. After our "silent" discussion, we will come together to discuss these ideas as a class.

• In general, who can or can't say the word? When, if ever, can it be said?

• How do you feel about the use of the word?

• Is the use of the word in the classroom different from its use outside the classroom?

• Is it different to read a text by an African-American who uses it than it is to read it in a text by a non-African-American? Why or why not?

• Does the use of the word in a "classic" literary work give it validity outside of the classroom? If so, how?