Kennedy’s New Book Analyzes One of America’s Most Volatile Words

There is probably no word in the English vernacular that invokes more anger, emotion or insult than “nigger.” Harvard law professor Randall Kennedy, author of the new book “Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word,” will discuss the historical controversies and legal contexts of one of America’s most volatile words at noon, Feb. 15, in the DePaul College of Law courtroom, 25 E. Jackson Blvd., O’Malley entrance, 6th Floor. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

During his presentation at DePaul, Kennedy will focus on some of the legal issues raised by the word. For example, should the law view the use of the “n word” to bait or offend someone as a provocation strong enough to reduce the culpability of a person who responds violently to it? And, should the use of the word in the workplace be cause enough for dismissal? He will answer questions following his talk.

In his book, Kennedy uses research, interviews, and unprecedented candor to explore such topics as how the “n word” has evolved; why it is considered more hurtful than other racial epithets; if African-Americans have the right to use the word even if others do not; how to lessen the destructiveness of the word; and how the law looks at the use of the word.

Kennedy suggests that to be ignorant of the meanings and effects of the “n word” leaves us vulnerable and open to harm of enormous proportions. By using a sensitive yet straightforward approach to the examination of the word, Kennedy skillfully addresses that concern.

Kennedy, who also authored “Race, Crime and the Law” (Vintage, 1998), is a noted authority on issues involving race. A Rhodes scholar who earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his law degree from Yale, Kennedy served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

“Kennedy’s talk is timely and relevant, particularly given America’s confused and scarred racial history,” said Michele Goodwin, a DePaul law professor and the program’s organizer. “Viewed in this context, words and images convey not only social meaning, but also legal significance, as we have seen recently with the emergence of federal and state hate crime legislation.” For additional details or to reserve a space call Susan Alico at 312/362-5292.

Note to editors: Reporters wising to cover Kennedy’s presentation should contact Valerie Phillips in the media relations department at 312/362-5039.