School Tales: The N-Word.

Preface: comments by an African-American student to me during back-stitching practice. Names omitted to protect the innocent.

"Ms. K, You ever say n***** jus'ta hear how it sounds? You like the way it sounds? I mean, you don't look like that kinda person who would say it or nothin, but you have to say it sometime?"

Well, what exactly would someone who says the N-word look like?

"Well, I don't know, but I think Coach___________ probably says it all the time to himself. Like while he's out mowin the lawn or puttin the trash out...you KNOW it! I mean, he jus look like he would. And Coach_________ you know he don't say it. He jus' all cool like that.Ms.____________, well she old and racist. That's probably her favorite word. And Ms. ______________. OH you KNOW she jus likes to look at herself in the mirror and say it, like over and over. And Mr.____________ I mean, he don't look like he say it, but I bet he do. Like when he gets drunk then maybe."

Do you think they would work here if they were racists?

"Well, uh, yeah. Just cuz they could and they can give us homework and write us up."