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.
While, the history of the N-word provides valuable insight into the emotion behind the word, educators must also remember to take seriously the views and opinions of all their students. Even after an in depth discussion and direct instruction on its history, some students may not fully comprehend why there's such controversy surrounding the word. In January 2001 Randall Kennedy published an article in the Washington Post detailing the constant confusion and misunderstanding surrounding the N-word. However, his statement "To be ignorant of its meanings and effects is to make oneself vulnerable to all manner of perils, including the loss of a job, a reputation, a friend, even one's life." And that is the message our students need to get. It's not about whether or not we understand why a group of people feel the way they do regarding the word, but that they DO feel deeply offended when it's used in a deragotory sense by others outside of their race community.
The day I decided to embark on the discussion, my students were instructed to write their own definition of the word "racism" before looking up the dictionary meaning. Due to a couple of issues in the building (swastikas painted on computer, N-word on bathroom stalls along with other epithets) I felt it was necessary to address these issues immediately, because they do not go way. In fact, unaddressed issues exacerbate rather quickly. I then asked my students to share their personal meaning of the word. Afterwards, we read the dictionary definition and had a discussion regarding what racism looks like. Man! My students told stories that incited laughter, tears and even anger. White and Black students shared their personal experiences with racial issues. Some even confessed their own negative behavior towards others from different races. I made it a safe zone which allowed my students the comfort necessary to share those stories.
Students want to learn. They are sponges waiting to soak up any valuable information we have to share. While having conversations about race and cultural differences may be uncomfortable to some they are very necessary. Here are some tips on how to have these conversations in our classrooms:
1. Educate yourself first! You can't begin to teach others about other cultures until you are knowledgable. You don't have to be an expert, but you should be able to impart enlightening information.
2. Show that you care. Students will pick up on your personal attitude and perspective. If you demonstrate a nonchalant outlook, so will they. If you don't care, then you should definitely ask yourself why.
3. Manage the conversation from the onset. Let students know ahead of time how the discussion will proceed and what is expected from the audience, as well as, the speaker. Don't ever allow it to get out of control. If someone loses his or her cool they should be instructed to step outside until they've cooled off.
4. Tailor your lesson for your audience. Elementary kids probably should not be having this conversation. That's all I'm going to say.
5. Create an authentic lesson and experience. These kinds of lessons should not be pulled from thin air. Something should prompt the need for the discussion. If you work in a school where racial epithets are never used by students or appear in the literature then you don't need to have this conversation. However, is that possible?
Resources:
Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word
Nigger and Caricatures
Straight Talk about the N-word
A Note on the Word N*****
Teaching the N-Word
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