96 of 114 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Intelligent write of a..., January 8, 2002
I, like the average person get riled when I hear the word, but consider the sources. Now, Randall has put together a fantastic piece of work here that I take as a contribution, and suggest every person that has the same feelings as I have to read this. Yes I am Black, but not a N....r. Those using the word would benefit from this book, that's why I love it, I believe Randall did in fact write this book in an authoritive and intelligent way to help, or contribute to those people who need to come to reality, this book is so much of that. Read it to help those.
I wish to recommend a real book that goes a step beyond this and will help all reach our goals, SB 1 by Karl Mark Maddox
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29 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Stellar!!, February 6, 2002
This book is a Godsend! Randall Kennedy is a genius! I sincerely hope that as many people as possible read this book. In my opinion, this ranks as one of the most revolutionary books ever written about American language to date; it has helped me more clearly understand the 'fangs of the viper'. Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word, methodically dissects the N-word to show the deliberate and diabolical social engineering that was used to transform nigger into one of the most explosive words in American history. At the same time, the book holds out the idea that change may, at sometime in the future, be possible; that one day our children will look at the fossilized remains of this little word and wonder, "What was the big deal?"
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36 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thought-provoking and controversial, February 22, 2002
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
What's in a name? "Nigger" by Randall Kennedy, a Harvard Professor, challenges the reader to ask this very question. What's profound about this book is how the author provides substantive information to help the readers answer the question as it pertains to one of the most emotionally charged words in the English language.
What is the social and political ramification of the use of the "N" word? In addition, what are the long-range effects, including economically of its usage? Well, these items, among others, are covered in Kennedy's upcoming book (January 15, 2002). But, what struck me most was the common use of examples to answer these points. Although, at times a quarry of legal cases, "Nigger" gives a balanced account of the "N" word and its effects throughout history.
One of the most detrimental uses of the "N" word has come, in recent history, from some of our own tongue. In fact, Tawana Brawley's case has now become one the shining examples of the "crying wolf" phenomenon. The fact that the "N" word has been used to falsify charges, to "extort" money or gain fame, can be cited as one cause for whites becoming more leery and desensitized to the use and harmfulness of the word.
Although by far, common vernacular is one of the most pervasive uses of the "N" word. Can the usage of the word "N" word change it from a negative connotation to a positive? In greeting each other and attempting to use the "N" word as an everyday phrase, we frequently confuse white, Latinos, etc. The practice is so pervasive modern day musicians like J-Lo and Kid Rock have used the word in their lyrics. But, why is their usage of the word offensive while Jay-Z and other popular rappers are considered "hip?" I am sure the answer would be that what we say among ourselves as African-Americans does not give "outsiders" license to use the "N" word. But, how can we censor the usage of the "N" word when we continue to flaunt it? I, neither Kennedy, presume to truly know the answer but the question is definitely worth asking.
Personally, I think that we should not attempt to own a word, which has never created anything but unnecessary drama for our people. I construe the common usage as a possible step back in civil rights for African-Americans. Because of the diminishment of the significance of the use of the "n" word, the ability of African-Americans and others to link its use to the commission of a hate crimes, its part in racial profiling, its place in the exclusion of minorities from economic opportunities, and the denial of legal recourse for African-Americans, we should refrain from claiming this imposed baggage.
When debating the "N" word in the black community, it is clear that we are a people constantly combating the confines of the "labels" we have been given throughout history.
Is it as simple as following Randall Kennedy's mother's advice: "not to fall apart when you hear the word?" I don't know. What's in a name? In and of itself, nothing. Like most words, it is the emotion attached to the word that makes the difference.
I believe, we should, as the book "Nigger" guides, try to determine what society makes of the "N" word and how it this word impacts us as a people before we attempt to embrace it in everyday speech.
Most importantly, the book "Nigger" encourages the reader to be literate, stay aware, stay sure-footed and on the path to equality, not just in name but in opportunity.
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