Tag Archives: N word

The N-Word: When Can Whites Use It?

“The N-word “is arguably the most consequential social insult in American history, according to Randall Kennedy, a professor at Harvard Law School.  Two decades ago, he wrote a book simply entitled n—–: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word. Throughout … Continue reading

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Blindsided by the N-word

Ten years ago or so, a student of mine was blindsided by the “N-word,” and so was I.  I had just uttered this troublesome word in my Introduction to Sociology class at Baltimore City Community College, a college with a … Continue reading

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The Classroom Makes Much More Sense Than Starbucks    PART ONE

  Imagine walking into a Starbucks for your morning fix.  After waiting in line, you order a café grande.  When the barista hands it to you, you notice the words Race Together on the side of the cup.  Finally, you … Continue reading

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What Organizations Can Learn About Diversity from the Jeremy Lin Story: Part Two

4. Diversity is critical to the bottom-line.  Jeremy Lin would not be getting all of this attention if the Knicks were still losing.  Rather, he is the missing cog that has helped transformed a team.  He was in the right … Continue reading

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Digital abuse: Young people in cultural cruise control

Recently, findings from an Associated Press-MTV poll show that young people (14-24) frequently use racial slurs and other discriminatory language when communicating online, and a majority think it is no big deal. For example, only 44 percent said they would … Continue reading

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To All Whites, Dr. Laura Included, Don’t Use It Ever

I am a white college professor who teaches at a historically black, urban community college. A while back, I was discussing an excerpt from The Autobiography of Malcolm X. In the excerpt, Malcolm X discusses what it feels like to … Continue reading

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