MsB is the pseudonym for a second-year high school English teacher in Brooklyn.
What is with the ‘N’ word these days? My students use it like (insert snappy metaphor here). Quite frankly, it offends the black kids, makes the white kids uncomfortable and just plain old shocks me. I decided to change this.
I found a great film produced by HBO called “The N Word.” I thought for sure that hearing all the celebrities talk about the word in this video would change at least some of their behaviors. Boy was I wrong. They completely missed the message of the film. Strike One.
Next, I tried using Hip Hop music to show how, when used too often the word loses its meaning completely. They liked that lesson, but again would not give up ownership of that word. They maintain that when used “positively” by them, it makes it ok. It is just the same as saying “what’s up bro?” Now, I know I am not old, but this is one thing I just don’t get. Strike Two.
As a last resort, I gave a “history” lesson where we really came to understand the meaning of the word. Well, then they all finally agreed not to use it with anyone except their black friends. They didn’t do this for themselves; I think they were just tired of my attempts.
Strike Three?
Well, I think the play is under review.
