The N Word - Divided We Stand
Easily the most inflammatory, shocking and historic word in the English language, the N word has smoldered in the American psyche for over a century. It has morphed from a source of hate, degradation and embarrassment to a term of endearment used amongst the many races of young people. But is that OK? Surf the web or eavesdrop in the lunchroom and you will find the N word is alive. Has overuse removed its horrific origins; has it lost its power to insult and enrage? Given the word’s…
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Last updated: December 24, 2009, 9:05 am
The N Word - Divided We Stand Customer reviews:
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 8
(C. Christopher Blackshere, 2009-04-05) The Almighty N word. Never before has a simple connection of letters carried such an immense variation in meaning, context, or effect. This is an interesting investigation of the most controversial taboo word ever conjoured up. Over the course of the past two decades, it has lost much of its raw biting power. You can credit much of that to the immortal gangsta rap group N.W.A. In the early 90's, their liberal use of the word partially redefined its context, turning it from a negative term to a positive one. Actually the N word might have began to lose its edge a few years prior to that, courtesy of Comedic God Richard Pryor. His frequent use of the word caused a vast wave of reactions. Today the N word is prevalent in music and movies, and its offensive nature has been diluted. It's been transformed more into a word of affection. BUT, it still carries a long history of racism and deragotory usage that is not easy to disregard. All of this is discussed thoroughly in this documentary. Hear Chris Rock, Samuel Jackson, George Carlin, Ice Cube, Michael Rappaport, Whoppi Goldberg and other celebrities give their take. You might be surprised by some of their opinions. I think the bottom line is this--the N word still carries power. No overusage of the word will totally seperate it from its earlier attachment to racism, slavery, and inferiority. Even though social gaps will continue to disintegrate as ignorance and hatred get flushed away, its harsh deragotory roots are not easily disregarded. This DVD is an excellent conversation starter.
(M. Tucker, 2008-04-03) I saw this in my Social Problems class, when we were discussing race and ethnicity. The use of "nigger" was used an excessive amount of time, surely to get the point across, however I just found it annoying. A bit long, but informational and midley entertaining. I would recommend renting this on NetFlixs rather than purchasing the movie. Good for a college classroom because it leads to good conversation among students.
(Lester L. Carter, 2008-02-07) Good idea to hear people trying to justify this vile term. It's a shame that so many just don't get it. There can never be anything positive about this word. And one of the subjects, after doing all he can to make the term seem harmless, has to admit that if a white person called him that he would feel some kind of way. In the words of Spike Lee 'WAKE UP!'
(B. Gorman, 2007-07-26) This DVD really puts things into perspective. It is not for or against the use of the word, but a commentary among many african americans from all backgrounds that use it.
(mistermaxxx@yahoo.com, 2006-04-26) this is the kind of film that will have a healthy discussion on the usuage of the word. it goes back through the history of time in the findings&usage of the word through the years&how it was used.Richard Pryor truly made it Powerful,but also he himself upon going on a trip to Africa den-nounced it.it never went away,but it got re-named&brought back.it has different meanings to different people depends on who you talk to.this film will have you talking&then you have to make up your mind where you stand on the use of the word. but this is the kind of film that is a must see for all people to me.