Quote:
Originally Posted by knight_shadow
Extremely random, but this reminded me of the times when we read these books in middle (HF) and high (TKAM) school.
I lived in Bel Air, MD during middle school, and I was one of like 4 black people in this 1,400+ student school. When we started reading Huck Finn, the teacher gave this huge disclaimer about the word's usage ("k_s, I'm SO sorry you have to hear this word, but..."). When students would read out loud, they usually paused and wanted me to say the word lol
In high school, we read TKAM individually and then watched the movie as a group. My 9th grade center was lot more diverse, but there weren't many black folks in my English class. Every time "colored" or any other similar word was dropped, everyone turned to look at me to make sure I was OK.
I agree that folks should recognize that context is important.
/random
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LOL. I can relate to that.
At the same time, context doesn't always matter because I've heard people complain when others read things within context and it rolls off their tongue too easily/smoothly.
It reminds me of a thread about "the n word" (I hate that phrase) where a white GCer typed the word out. Although it was within a certain context, I kind of wished she had just put "n" or something to that effect.
Many of the social scientists and linguists I know are very hesitant to say certain words, almost regardless of the setting, as to not appear too at ease with something that makes some people uncomfortable.
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