Is it only a matter of time before someone gets cancelled for using the "'N-word' word?" I.e., someone who uses the euphemism "N-word" may be deemed just as praeterite as someone who uses the actual word? (I hope I'm just making this up.)
John, I've been listening to different interviews you've done for the past month or so. One of the things I love about your arguments is your refusal to dehumanize the other side. As a Christian, that's something incredibly important to me, because as soon as we start viewing the "other" as lesser, we ignore our own failings and need for forgiveness. Happy to subscribe.
Wait. It gets worse: now we can observe efforts to “sanitize” popular comedy of only a decade or so ago. This scourge is now at work as worried people set about trying to anticipate tomorrow's potentially-objectionable terms and “sanitize” their use and appearance in print or audio dialogue even before objections are raised. That, of course, is the point: second-guessing the “politically-correct” language police before they strike.
Thus a term used relatively recently in popular situation-comedy television series was silently erased from the sound-track of a re-broadcast (on a television network (“E4”) in Britain) of an episode (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2378184/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm) “The Higgs Boson Observation” ((2012) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory_(season_6) Episode 3 (Episode 114; ) of the popular and award-winning American series, “The Big Bang Theory” (BBT) and found to my surprise that the term “skank” was excised from the comedy's audio. Not “bleeped” out. Rather, it was simply erased. Mayim Bialik , the actress (yes, that's how I refer to women of the acting profession, whether the language police approve or not) was never the less seen to pronounce the suppressed term. Bialik, who plays the role of Amy Farrah Fowler, biologist and girlfriend of lead character, the physicist Dr. Sheldon Cooper (played by the actor Jim Parsons) is seen to but not heard to pronounce the word “Skank” while speaking in confidence to her friend, “Penny” (Kaley Cuoco), about “Alex Jensen” (short for “Alexa” or “Alexandra”) (Margo Harshman), a very attractive newly-hired research-assistant working for Sheldon Cooper. “Amy” and “Penny” supposedly discretely observe what looks clearly (to them) like “Alex” at the lunch table getting acquainted with the cast regulars, Cooper's friends “Rajesh Koothrapalli” (Kunal Nayyar), “Howard Wolowitz” (Simon Helberg), and “Leonard Hofstadter” (Johnny Galeki) and openly flirting with Leonard who seems just as clearly to be enjoying Alex's attention. Amy, at first concerned that Alex might prove a rival for the affection of Sheldon, is relieved to see that Alex is interested not in Sheldon but in Leonard. As Amy says to Penny, confirming Penny's assurance that Amy has nothing to worry about, “You're right: that skank's your problem.” (Earlier, Penny and Amy are together at Penny's apt. Amy: “That was Alex, Sheldon's new assistant” (on the phone answering Amy's call to Sheldon). He didn't mention that she's a woman.” Penny: “Maybe he didn't notice.”)
Notice that it's “Amy” who uses the term to refer to “Alex”. Both women, neither of them apparently refused the term's use in the comedy dialogue. Apparently, none of the cast raised enough of an objection—if they raised any at all (these are professional comedians) —to have the script changed. Notice, too, that, nearly ten years ago, this vignette got laughs. The show's live studio audience thought it was funny. And that's because it was—and, for me, still is.
Whatever happened to "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words shall never harm me" sung to a tune. I learned that one in kindergarten back in the 1950s. Indeed times have changed. See more on the topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticks_and_Stones
Could it? When training is given by ones employer, does it not have the force of authority behind it? Employers don't generally spend money to give you a well-rounded, liberal arts experience that "challenges you" and "makes you think". If they're training you, it's generally for knowledge they want you to specifically learn.
I mean, since we're discussing "sticks and stones" I'm assuming we're not taking about anodyne "value of diversity" seminars, but seminars with controversial ideas that are arguably hostile to the non-minority segment of the workforce.
Granted, in this case it could just be in order to check a box and say they are combating racism. But the fact that this is the best case scenario is worrisome. If DEI training is forcing people to accept ideas which make for a hostile work environment when put into practice, and the company is actually taking it seriously, these "sticks and stones" could be more like a minefield where stepping on the wrong spot gets you fired. At the very least they have the power to intimidate people, keeping dissent to a minimum while such ideas take root and expand their reach.
You may be right Eric. I have and will give it more thought. Thanks for telling us. My main concern in writing what I have written is human beings (myself included) have a tendency to want to be “right” about most everything and thus make the other person “wrong” which leads to arguments that often make things worse not better or resolve issues. Often that, shall I say negative cycle, leads to emotional displays, efforts at canceling the other and dividing into tribes to make war be it in words, social organizations or political organizations just hell-bent on being right and making the other wrong so they can “win”. But in the long run, everyone has lost or at least things are now worse for many. Someone calling me a racist for being opposed to some elements or types of diversity training or for not buying into Kendi’s way of thinking but instead McWhorter’s way of thinking does not have to upset me since they are mere “sticks and stones” if you will. Often the best approach to name-calling is first “seek to understand then to be understood” per Covey’s words. The people who are enthralled with the "diversity religious movement" much like other “true believers” in other movements need a little compassion and understanding so we can lead them out of the wilderness if you will into something that actually will solve the problems. That is if you think there are problems with systemic racism in the USA today and some unconscious bias elements in human beings (in all races not just in white people). Which I do by the way just to be transparent. Now you can say “OK Boomer” since I am an early boomer at 73 and this is something of a rant. I won’t be upset he says with a smile. Thanks for your comment as it got me going ;-).
Indeed so Program Thyself. If everyone was more thick-skinned (using that term as one who is not easily upset, insulted, who can take criticism well and not be easily offended) we would all be better off. Why we all might move a bit more to the middle ground with a bit more reason and civility in the process of finding solutions.
Reminds me of some of the lyrics in an old Buffalo Springfield song “For What It’s Worth”:
I hope kids will appreciate the absurdity of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning, and being told what a racist place America is in the afternoon.
Well, life has its hypocrisies and absurdities to be sure. Best they learn that early if possible. So maybe there are some upsides to the situation after all he says with a smile. Then they also need to learn the multiple definitions for racist used by different people. Best to ask when someone uses the R-word what definition they have in mind I figure when they use it.
Performance art? It may not be art; but what sort of performance is it (shaming people for mention not use; crushing them socially)? The sociologist Harold Garfinkel gave this a name: "degradation ceremony." Cf. his "Conditions of Successful Degradation Ceremonies," American Journal of Sociology 61(5):420-424 (1956). Yes, the response to this one tabooed word is over-reaction, but is this not perhaps the very point: not to offer measured response but to score in interpersonal up-manship? (At the same time as boosting ego, I right the wrongs of past generations by smiting the existing individuals within my reach; neat two-fer, no?) Q: "What kind of antiracism is that?" A: the vengeful kind. Of course it is mean. It is the kind which does not sing "till victory is won" but shouts "hasta la victoria siempre." By any means necessary. Proportionality? Fair play? Let the punishment fit the crime? Mere oppressor morality. No punishment too harsh to be deserved. So, yes, let the oppressor ilk be degraded, and of course do it ceremoniously.
Was Obama the first Black president? (Morgan Freeman says: no. Obama's African ancestry is not African-American -- though he, himself, is [literally] the child of an African father and an American mother.) The actress is the child of an Ethiopian father and an Irish mother. So: is she Black (thus entitled to the N-word-like surname) or is she white (thus subject to censure or cancellation every time she states her name)? How about I just answer an easier question, like how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
Just stumbled across this quote from musician Nick Cave (The Birthday Party, The Bad Seeds).
"As far as I can see, cancel culture is mercy’s antithesis. Political correctness has grown to become the unhappiest religion in the world. Its once honourable attempt to reimagine our society in a more equitable way now embodies all the worst aspects that religion has to offer (and none of the beauty) — moral certainty and self-righteousness shorn even of the capacity for redemption. It has become quite literally, bad religion run amuck.
Cancel culture’s refusal to engage with uncomfortable ideas has an asphyxiating effect on the creative soul of a society. Compassion is the primary experience — the heart event — out of which emerges the genius and generosity of the imagination. Creativity is an act of love that can knock up against our most foundational beliefs, and in doing so brings forth fresh ways of seeing the world. This is both the function and glory of art and ideas. A force that finds its meaning in the cancellation of these difficult ideas hampers the creative spirit of a society and strikes at the complex and diverse nature of its culture."
Wow, sounds like he's talking about The Elect. Has the Godfather of Goth been reading Mr McWhorter?
Hey, thanks for the "likes". Don't know how many of you are Cave fans. He's not for the faint of heart, but certainly one of the most interesting songwriters around. I've been keen on him for decades, and I can tell you that I find some of his lyrics nearly impossible to stomach - and that seems to be his point. He can write some of the most tender and heartbreaking poetry, but when his subject is evil he doesn't hold back.
Fantastic! Who'da thought Johnny Rotten would turn out to be an examplar of personal responsibility and traditional values? His dedication to "Babbie" is a true inspiration.
"Activism" implies work towards an idea of the greater good. "Performance art" should be artistic. This seems like a power play to establish and police the in-group.
I'm white and was raised to be decent, so I have never used the word as a racial slur against anyone. I do use it when quoting Mark Twain, especially for his use of it in Huckleberry Finn where N***** Jim is shown to be the best man in the book. Twain was no racist, and I believe he used it in this instance for the cognitive dissonance.
I do use a word that is spelled and pronounced exactly like the problematic word, in reference to an archaic term for cutting felled trees into usable lengths, often with the use of fire to burn through the sections. I cut down a lot of trees and I feel very wicked when I say I've been ou n*ggering all afternoon.
This just in . . . BREAKING NEWS . . . Paul McCartney stripped of knighthood for the lyrics "ooh you've been a naughty girl you've let your knickers down" . . . Back to you, Kelly . . . (Bonus points for figuring out if this is really Eye'm Witless News or just The Onion.)
I'm curious why the analogy of a peanut allergy isn't being invoked. Isn't this about increasing sensitivity to "the word that cannot be referred to"? (TWTCBRT -- hey, if you can learn LGBTQIA+ you can learn this acronym). With hearers going into the psychic equivalent of anaphylactic shock if they hear it, regardless of intent. It's getting to the point that a whiff is all it takes -- even 20 rows away on the plane. And so on.
As someone in my 40s and not from the south, I was brought up to never say or even think this word. However, I wonder now when much popular music uses the word pretty freely if it is difficult for some clueless kids not to use it with their friends.
Numerous public school teachers, college professors, and politicians have been reprimanded, and in some cases fired, for using the word "niggardly"
According to the article:
Niggardly (noun: niggard) is an adjective meaning "stingy" or "miserly". It is derived from the Middle English word nigard, which is probably derived from Old Norse nigla, meaning "to be poor", which itself is most likely derived from hnøggr ("stingy"). The word niggle, which in modern usage means to give excessive attention to minor details, probably shares an etymology with niggardly.
The discussion does indeed illuminate the glaring difference of reaction to the word dependent only on the user’s skin color. It is apparent that among the Elect there is NO circumstance, referential or otherwise, of appropriate use of the N word by a non-black. Yet it is indeed used with frequency and impunity among blacks primarily as a term of endearment or connection. Thus, in light of this fact, the following anecdote is quite thought provoking. One busy afternoon in the Emergency Department I work in , I was taking care of a young black man. We had a disagreement concerning his care, specifically he felt he should be given a much stronger analgesic than I was willing to provide. I was quite specific about what I planned to order, and as I was exiting the room to place my orders, he yelled “GET BACK IN HERE YOU F...ING N-word, I’M NOT DONE WITH YOU”. I ,however, was quite done with him so I continued my exit without another word. I honestly don’t know what I could, or should have said in the moment. As well, I honestly don’t know how I should feel about the event. This gentleman clearly intended the word as a slur, and despite that intent, did not, and will never, face any consequence for its utterance in that context. Certainly, the same could not be said of me had the table been turned. By the way, I am Caucasian.
Is it only a matter of time before someone gets cancelled for using the "'N-word' word?" I.e., someone who uses the euphemism "N-word" may be deemed just as praeterite as someone who uses the actual word? (I hope I'm just making this up.)
John, I've been listening to different interviews you've done for the past month or so. One of the things I love about your arguments is your refusal to dehumanize the other side. As a Christian, that's something incredibly important to me, because as soon as we start viewing the "other" as lesser, we ignore our own failings and need for forgiveness. Happy to subscribe.
Wait. It gets worse: now we can observe efforts to “sanitize” popular comedy of only a decade or so ago. This scourge is now at work as worried people set about trying to anticipate tomorrow's potentially-objectionable terms and “sanitize” their use and appearance in print or audio dialogue even before objections are raised. That, of course, is the point: second-guessing the “politically-correct” language police before they strike.
Thus a term used relatively recently in popular situation-comedy television series was silently erased from the sound-track of a re-broadcast (on a television network (“E4”) in Britain) of an episode (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2378184/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm) “The Higgs Boson Observation” ((2012) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory_(season_6) Episode 3 (Episode 114; ) of the popular and award-winning American series, “The Big Bang Theory” (BBT) and found to my surprise that the term “skank” was excised from the comedy's audio. Not “bleeped” out. Rather, it was simply erased. Mayim Bialik , the actress (yes, that's how I refer to women of the acting profession, whether the language police approve or not) was never the less seen to pronounce the suppressed term. Bialik, who plays the role of Amy Farrah Fowler, biologist and girlfriend of lead character, the physicist Dr. Sheldon Cooper (played by the actor Jim Parsons) is seen to but not heard to pronounce the word “Skank” while speaking in confidence to her friend, “Penny” (Kaley Cuoco), about “Alex Jensen” (short for “Alexa” or “Alexandra”) (Margo Harshman), a very attractive newly-hired research-assistant working for Sheldon Cooper. “Amy” and “Penny” supposedly discretely observe what looks clearly (to them) like “Alex” at the lunch table getting acquainted with the cast regulars, Cooper's friends “Rajesh Koothrapalli” (Kunal Nayyar), “Howard Wolowitz” (Simon Helberg), and “Leonard Hofstadter” (Johnny Galeki) and openly flirting with Leonard who seems just as clearly to be enjoying Alex's attention. Amy, at first concerned that Alex might prove a rival for the affection of Sheldon, is relieved to see that Alex is interested not in Sheldon but in Leonard. As Amy says to Penny, confirming Penny's assurance that Amy has nothing to worry about, “You're right: that skank's your problem.” (Earlier, Penny and Amy are together at Penny's apt. Amy: “That was Alex, Sheldon's new assistant” (on the phone answering Amy's call to Sheldon). He didn't mention that she's a woman.” Penny: “Maybe he didn't notice.”)
Notice that it's “Amy” who uses the term to refer to “Alex”. Both women, neither of them apparently refused the term's use in the comedy dialogue. Apparently, none of the cast raised enough of an objection—if they raised any at all (these are professional comedians) —to have the script changed. Notice, too, that, nearly ten years ago, this vignette got laughs. The show's live studio audience thought it was funny. And that's because it was—and, for me, still is.
Whatever happened to "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words shall never harm me" sung to a tune. I learned that one in kindergarten back in the 1950s. Indeed times have changed. See more on the topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticks_and_Stones
To be fair, that could also apply to all of us who are complaining about DEI training.
Could it? When training is given by ones employer, does it not have the force of authority behind it? Employers don't generally spend money to give you a well-rounded, liberal arts experience that "challenges you" and "makes you think". If they're training you, it's generally for knowledge they want you to specifically learn.
I mean, since we're discussing "sticks and stones" I'm assuming we're not taking about anodyne "value of diversity" seminars, but seminars with controversial ideas that are arguably hostile to the non-minority segment of the workforce.
Granted, in this case it could just be in order to check a box and say they are combating racism. But the fact that this is the best case scenario is worrisome. If DEI training is forcing people to accept ideas which make for a hostile work environment when put into practice, and the company is actually taking it seriously, these "sticks and stones" could be more like a minefield where stepping on the wrong spot gets you fired. At the very least they have the power to intimidate people, keeping dissent to a minimum while such ideas take root and expand their reach.
You may be right Eric. I have and will give it more thought. Thanks for telling us. My main concern in writing what I have written is human beings (myself included) have a tendency to want to be “right” about most everything and thus make the other person “wrong” which leads to arguments that often make things worse not better or resolve issues. Often that, shall I say negative cycle, leads to emotional displays, efforts at canceling the other and dividing into tribes to make war be it in words, social organizations or political organizations just hell-bent on being right and making the other wrong so they can “win”. But in the long run, everyone has lost or at least things are now worse for many. Someone calling me a racist for being opposed to some elements or types of diversity training or for not buying into Kendi’s way of thinking but instead McWhorter’s way of thinking does not have to upset me since they are mere “sticks and stones” if you will. Often the best approach to name-calling is first “seek to understand then to be understood” per Covey’s words. The people who are enthralled with the "diversity religious movement" much like other “true believers” in other movements need a little compassion and understanding so we can lead them out of the wilderness if you will into something that actually will solve the problems. That is if you think there are problems with systemic racism in the USA today and some unconscious bias elements in human beings (in all races not just in white people). Which I do by the way just to be transparent. Now you can say “OK Boomer” since I am an early boomer at 73 and this is something of a rant. I won’t be upset he says with a smile. Thanks for your comment as it got me going ;-).
Indeed so Program Thyself. If everyone was more thick-skinned (using that term as one who is not easily upset, insulted, who can take criticism well and not be easily offended) we would all be better off. Why we all might move a bit more to the middle ground with a bit more reason and civility in the process of finding solutions.
Reminds me of some of the lyrics in an old Buffalo Springfield song “For What It’s Worth”:
[Verse 2]
There's battle lines being drawn
And nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Are gettin' so much resistance from behind
[Chorus]
It's time we stop
Hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7L7F8U398Q = link to the song
I hope kids will appreciate the absurdity of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning, and being told what a racist place America is in the afternoon.
Well, life has its hypocrisies and absurdities to be sure. Best they learn that early if possible. So maybe there are some upsides to the situation after all he says with a smile. Then they also need to learn the multiple definitions for racist used by different people. Best to ask when someone uses the R-word what definition they have in mind I figure when they use it.
Performance art? It may not be art; but what sort of performance is it (shaming people for mention not use; crushing them socially)? The sociologist Harold Garfinkel gave this a name: "degradation ceremony." Cf. his "Conditions of Successful Degradation Ceremonies," American Journal of Sociology 61(5):420-424 (1956). Yes, the response to this one tabooed word is over-reaction, but is this not perhaps the very point: not to offer measured response but to score in interpersonal up-manship? (At the same time as boosting ego, I right the wrongs of past generations by smiting the existing individuals within my reach; neat two-fer, no?) Q: "What kind of antiracism is that?" A: the vengeful kind. Of course it is mean. It is the kind which does not sing "till victory is won" but shouts "hasta la victoria siempre." By any means necessary. Proportionality? Fair play? Let the punishment fit the crime? Mere oppressor morality. No punishment too harsh to be deserved. So, yes, let the oppressor ilk be degraded, and of course do it ceremoniously.
Is it now problematic to hire the actress Ruth Negga?
Was Obama the first Black president? (Morgan Freeman says: no. Obama's African ancestry is not African-American -- though he, himself, is [literally] the child of an African father and an American mother.) The actress is the child of an Ethiopian father and an Irish mother. So: is she Black (thus entitled to the N-word-like surname) or is she white (thus subject to censure or cancellation every time she states her name)? How about I just answer an easier question, like how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
Just stumbled across this quote from musician Nick Cave (The Birthday Party, The Bad Seeds).
"As far as I can see, cancel culture is mercy’s antithesis. Political correctness has grown to become the unhappiest religion in the world. Its once honourable attempt to reimagine our society in a more equitable way now embodies all the worst aspects that religion has to offer (and none of the beauty) — moral certainty and self-righteousness shorn even of the capacity for redemption. It has become quite literally, bad religion run amuck.
Cancel culture’s refusal to engage with uncomfortable ideas has an asphyxiating effect on the creative soul of a society. Compassion is the primary experience — the heart event — out of which emerges the genius and generosity of the imagination. Creativity is an act of love that can knock up against our most foundational beliefs, and in doing so brings forth fresh ways of seeing the world. This is both the function and glory of art and ideas. A force that finds its meaning in the cancellation of these difficult ideas hampers the creative spirit of a society and strikes at the complex and diverse nature of its culture."
Wow, sounds like he's talking about The Elect. Has the Godfather of Goth been reading Mr McWhorter?
Hey, thanks for the "likes". Don't know how many of you are Cave fans. He's not for the faint of heart, but certainly one of the most interesting songwriters around. I've been keen on him for decades, and I can tell you that I find some of his lyrics nearly impossible to stomach - and that seems to be his point. He can write some of the most tender and heartbreaking poetry, but when his subject is evil he doesn't hold back.
I love this quote AND Nick Cave's music. Thanks for sharing it!
This is a beautiful quote. I was wondering when rock and roll culture was going to weigh in on this mess. Many, if not most, of those former rebels have been remarkably silent regarding the current zeitgeist. I found this article hopeful - from John Lydon (Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols): https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/11/john-lydon-interview-i-could-be-wrong-book-nora-wife-carer-trump-brexit
Fantastic! Who'da thought Johnny Rotten would turn out to be an examplar of personal responsibility and traditional values? His dedication to "Babbie" is a true inspiration.
Ironic, no? I like it when life surprises me. :-)
"Activism" implies work towards an idea of the greater good. "Performance art" should be artistic. This seems like a power play to establish and police the in-group.
I don't understand how we always have this conversation without the following clarification:
there is no "THE N-WORD". there are TWO n-words.
"valdemorter" is a slur
"valdemorta" means "person, esp. a male person" in the modern vernacular, all rap lyrics, etc
I mean, seriously, Trayvon Martin called George Zimmerman "valdemorta" on the phone to his girlfriend. As in "that valdemorta messin' with me".
"valdemorta" just means "dude" or "man", basically
Like McWhorter's theme suggests, we need to consider not ruining someone's life because they quote a rap lyric that says "my man, let's party".
Then there's this oldie but goodie. Call the cops!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fyslloMZQ8
Who calls this tune, must pay the piper . . .
I'm white and was raised to be decent, so I have never used the word as a racial slur against anyone. I do use it when quoting Mark Twain, especially for his use of it in Huckleberry Finn where N***** Jim is shown to be the best man in the book. Twain was no racist, and I believe he used it in this instance for the cognitive dissonance.
I do use a word that is spelled and pronounced exactly like the problematic word, in reference to an archaic term for cutting felled trees into usable lengths, often with the use of fire to burn through the sections. I cut down a lot of trees and I feel very wicked when I say I've been ou n*ggering all afternoon.
This just in . . . BREAKING NEWS . . . Paul McCartney stripped of knighthood for the lyrics "ooh you've been a naughty girl you've let your knickers down" . . . Back to you, Kelly . . . (Bonus points for figuring out if this is really Eye'm Witless News or just The Onion.)
I'm curious why the analogy of a peanut allergy isn't being invoked. Isn't this about increasing sensitivity to "the word that cannot be referred to"? (TWTCBRT -- hey, if you can learn LGBTQIA+ you can learn this acronym). With hearers going into the psychic equivalent of anaphylactic shock if they hear it, regardless of intent. It's getting to the point that a whiff is all it takes -- even 20 rows away on the plane. And so on.
As someone in my 40s and not from the south, I was brought up to never say or even think this word. However, I wonder now when much popular music uses the word pretty freely if it is difficult for some clueless kids not to use it with their friends.
"A friend jokes to me that somewhere in America somebody is getting fired for referring to niggling details."
Check this out:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controversies_about_the_word_niggardly
Numerous public school teachers, college professors, and politicians have been reprimanded, and in some cases fired, for using the word "niggardly"
According to the article:
Niggardly (noun: niggard) is an adjective meaning "stingy" or "miserly". It is derived from the Middle English word nigard, which is probably derived from Old Norse nigla, meaning "to be poor", which itself is most likely derived from hnøggr ("stingy"). The word niggle, which in modern usage means to give excessive attention to minor details, probably shares an etymology with niggardly.
The discussion does indeed illuminate the glaring difference of reaction to the word dependent only on the user’s skin color. It is apparent that among the Elect there is NO circumstance, referential or otherwise, of appropriate use of the N word by a non-black. Yet it is indeed used with frequency and impunity among blacks primarily as a term of endearment or connection. Thus, in light of this fact, the following anecdote is quite thought provoking. One busy afternoon in the Emergency Department I work in , I was taking care of a young black man. We had a disagreement concerning his care, specifically he felt he should be given a much stronger analgesic than I was willing to provide. I was quite specific about what I planned to order, and as I was exiting the room to place my orders, he yelled “GET BACK IN HERE YOU F...ING N-word, I’M NOT DONE WITH YOU”. I ,however, was quite done with him so I continued my exit without another word. I honestly don’t know what I could, or should have said in the moment. As well, I honestly don’t know how I should feel about the event. This gentleman clearly intended the word as a slur, and despite that intent, did not, and will never, face any consequence for its utterance in that context. Certainly, the same could not be said of me had the table been turned. By the way, I am Caucasian.