The N-Word Controversy- Teaching Emotional Sensitivity

People often wonder why there is such an emotional discussion surrounding a word who's denotative definition simply means "ignorant person."  Well, had the connotative definition stayed close to that definition then there would be no need for a discussion, or this blog post.  My stance on the usage of the word is not to use it... ever. I don't use it in jest, in read alouds, or to make a point. I don't use it out of anger nor even when I am reprimanding a student or speaking with his or her parents regarding their child's usage of the word. I always say the "N" word. I know far too much history for it to ever slip carelessly from my lips.  And it is that knowledge which needs to be taught to our students, and some educators, so that they too understand why this word carries such emotional weight and produces strong reactions in the offended.

If you teach a text with the "N" word...

...you must have a conversation with your class beforehand.  There really is no way around it and it's irresponsible to do otherwise.  A teacher colleague of mine embarked on a novel study of Huckleberry Finn in her 10th grade English Lit class.  During a read aloud, a non-African American student read a section that contained the "N" word thereby inciting disapproval and even anger among many of the African American students.  The class erupted into an angry exchange of words and many students left feeling offended, confused and visibly frustrated. A few of the African American students came to my room to vent their frustration and share the details of what happened. Needless to say, they eventually refused to continue reading the novel.