The N Word

Who Can Say It, Who Shouldn't, and Why

By: Jabari Asim

Narrated by: Mirron Willis

In The N Word, a renowned cultural critic untangles the twisted history and future of racism through its most volatile word.

In 2003, the book Nigger started an intense conversation about the uses and implications of that epithet. The N Word moves beyond that short, provocative book by revealing how the word has both reflected and spread the scourge of bigotry in America.

Asim claims that even when uttered by hipsters and hip-hop icons, the slur helps keep blacks at the bottom of America's socioeconomic ladder. But he also proves there is a place for this word in the mouths and on the pens of those who truly understand its twisted history: from Mark Twain to Dave Chappelle to Mos Def. Only when we know its legacy can we loosen this slur's grip on our national psyche.

©2007 Jabari Asim (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Clear, engaging writing." (Publishers Weekly)
"Informed, sensible and impassioned." (Kirkus Reviews)
"He is most eloquent when relating how African Americans have been characterized in our culture; how the word nigger has been employed to oppress, belittle, dismiss, humiliate, and ridicule black people; and how they themselves have increasingly used it to satirize and oppose that oppression." (Library Journal)

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This was a difficult one to wade through. Difficult subject, but hopefully worthwhile. I can't say I enjoyed it. It was well written and very well read.

History lesson

Well written and very informative. Great resource for more research. Our younger generation needs more of this.

Extremely Insightful

As a. Black millennial, the author truly challenged my view on language. The books calls every American to be accountable at how this word has impacted identity in America. It also calls in question the need for a "N" in a society founded on racism and subjugation.

I’m gonna think twice before I use the N word

This was a fascinating and enlightening read. It educates the history of the usage of this word and also talks about the history of racism in itself. I recommend everyone to read this!

Important Historic & Cultural Truths Revealed Here

Loved it! I could not have imagined that there was so much humor, pain and horror attached to the history of a single word!