Stillman College Hosts N-Word Conference

[AKA2D '91]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/24/nwo....ap/index.html



TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (AP) -- With a debate swirling nationwide over the n-word, a historically black college in Alabama has set aside four days to discuss the racial slur.

Participants at the conference, which began Thursday and ends Sunday, discussed topics ranging from the origins of the epithet to whether juggling a few letters makes it socially acceptable at the "N" Surrection Conference at Stillman College.

Organizers said the goal of the event is to challenge the use of the n-word "through the use of intelligent dialogue and a thorough examination of black history."

Debate over the use of the word has escalated in recent months, with comedian Michael Richards' racial rant prompting black leaders such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson and California Congresswoman Maxine Waters to urge the public and the entertainment industry to stop using it.

[Little32]

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/24/nwo....ap/index.html



TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (AP) -- With a debate swirling nationwide over the n-word, a historically black college in Alabama has set aside four days to discuss the racial slur.

Participants at the conference, which began Thursday and ends Sunday, discussed topics ranging from the origins of the epithet to whether juggling a few letters makes it socially acceptable at the "N" Surrection Conference at Stillman College.

Organizers said the goal of the event is to challenge the use of the n-word "through the use of intelligent dialogue and a thorough examination of black history."

Debate over the use of the word has escalated in recent months, with comedian Michael Richards' racial rant prompting black leaders such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson and California Congresswoman Maxine Waters to urge the public and the entertainment industry to stop using it.

Interesting, an entire conference devoted a discussion about this word. I am not sure about the usefulness of it though.

I don't use the word, I don't think that anyone should use it. I don't think that people should use a slightly altered form of the word either. Though I understand the theory behind the use of an altered form of the word, I am not sure that it really works that way in practice. It has too much historical baggage.

[Professor]

I don't use it but I'm not sure if AA's are really serious. Academics certainly won't admit using the word but around the way, in the barber shop and private times, I know many folk that use the word. To that end, are we as a people really concerned about the "n" WORD.

[AKA_Monet]

Here is what I think about this blasphemy:

http://www.abolishthenword.com/

This is the info outta NY.

No sense in disclaiming it, but if it teaches you anything it teaches how hate of oneself is so persuasive and pervasive in our society.

When will we slay that slave that lives within us? -Benjamin Mays

Who made this world like this? -June Jordan

[litAKAtor]

It will be interesting to see the kind of attendance the conference gets. I have been guilty of using the word- but in my opinion it is applicable to anyone who acts in such a fashion, irrespective of color. I also understand both sides of the debate, however the conference begs the question, are we giving this word more life than it needs?