Rating: 
Summary: Intellectually Stimulating!
Review: Randall Kennedy, a Princeton and Yale educated African American (AA) Harvard Law School professor, is the author of the renowned book: Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word. In the spirit of his legal background, Kennedy methodically organizes the book into three main sections: The first attempts to define the word and discusses the historical and modern day uses of it particularly in the areas of entertainment (comedy, rap, poetry, etc.). He takes the reader back to the historical roots of the word and its original meaning to firmly establish that the n-word was intentionally used to inflict insult or to humiliate and belittle its victims. The first 40 pages cite numerous examples of how the racial epitaph has been recorded throughout American history in the educational, legal, and political institutions. The second section deals with the use of the n-word in the American judicial system and provides interesting discussion on the legalities surrounding the use of the n-word as a "fighting word" and as justification for physical retaliation (even as a defense strategy for murder). He discusses the impact that racist views of defendants and litigants can have on court rulings. He spends a lot of time referencing legalities of when the word can be entered into evidence in a court of law and cites several instances including the infamous O.J. Simpson case in which Mark Fuhrman perjured himself when asked if he had ever used the n-word. Kennedy also covers the difficulties AA's face when suing on the grounds of racial discrimination. The author's knowledge of the law proved invaluable for this section because he shared his insight and perspective on the intricacies behind these controversial cases. The third section of the book addresses a myriad of modern day issues such as the debate surrounding censorship of the word, the campaign against Merriam-Webster regarding the definition of the word, use of the word in the company of non-AA persons, etc. Although a small book in physical size, it is packed full of hundreds of factual accounts of well-documented real-life cases that one can research independently for more details. Throughout the book, Kennedy offers a solid discussion on the differing schools of thought between the "eradicationists", those who maintain that all uses of the word are wrongful and hurtful, and those of a more tolerant group who support use of the term in its proper context. This reader personally enjoyed the discussion that paralleled Amos 'n' Andy to Def Comedy Jam and author's choice to include viewpoints of the AA intelligentsia of yesteryear and today: Langston Hughes, Bill Cosby, Roy Wilkes, Countee Cullen, Thurgood Marshall, Julianne Malveaux, and others. Disappointingly the author does not provide a conclusion or any formative recommendations, however, he clearly establishes that the n-word has been embedded in our culture for a very long time and will remain so as long as there is an America. Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub, Nubian Circle Book Club
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read On The Topic
Review: Kennedy has done a very good job at presenting the subject. The book is well organized and easy to follow. It is full with good historical research on the word, and the stories he uses of both other's and his own experience bring the book alive. I found that I learned much about the legal world, and no doubt this is due to Kennedy's own background in law. The contemporary uses of the word are a good discussion and/or debate for some. The book helped me, also, to be able to say the word without feeling guilty. Good read that can be read in one sitting.
Rating: 
Summary: The Book was great. It tell the meaning of the n--- word.
Review: I think everyone should read it.
Rating: 
Summary: an attenuated look into a loaded subject
Review: Professor Kennedy's "Nigger" is, in its brevity, a well-balanced report on the history and current state of this racial epithet. Within the four chapters, Kennedy provides a sharp introduction, a legal lookback, a list of political backfirings, and a brief epilogue. The voluminous endnotes, typical of legal writing, show the breadth and scope of the author's background research. Unfortunately, Kennedy's discussions seem, for the most part, only half-considered. All too often, he takes a particular controversial event surrounding the use of the word, describes what transpired accurately (and with hefty annotated documentation), but neglects to explain his opinion on the matter and justify it. There are some notable exceptions, such as his account of the Webster's Dictionary petition, but these are few. I also personally disagreed with many of his conclusions, such as his suggestion that we adopt a more relaxed attitude toward the word when it is used by African Americans. For such a heavy topic, Professor Kennedy offers more legal history than well-argued current opinion. I recommend this book both for its boldness in addressing such a controversial issue, and for its brevity, but I feel that the reader cannot rely solely on this book for a more enlightened view of the African American battle against racism.
Rating: 
Summary: Misses the Mark
Review: This book does raise a lot of interesting topics of conversation/debate, but there seems to be a lot of explanation and discussion lacking. The writing seemed choppy and incohesive at times. I felt bogged down with too many legal cases without really examining them. I was hoping for a clearer understanding of so many issues surrounding this word, but really was left with more question marks. A good start, but it needed more developing.
Rating:
Summary: Read it and let two people borrow it
Review: A book that truely grabs you, throws you in a seat, and makes you continue reading. A great read and a wonderful sociological text. I believe everyone should read this book and look into some of the other sources the author uses, such as Spike Lee's 'Bamboozled'. Written by an excelent African-American author, who writes candidly, and with out bias about his own culture. Often coming down on it harshly, though objectfully. Definitly a book thats been long overdue. I would recommend it to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars for trying to educate, but i haven't read it yet
Review: i must admit i found out about this book from the television show boston public. a teacher on the show was using it to educate people of the origin of the word. needless to say things exploded up in his face. but the premise intrigued me so, that i went right out and purchased it. though i have several books ahead of it (avid reader), i can not wait to dive into it. i will update this review after i am finished
Rating:
Summary: Itelligent and rational
Review: Note to scholars: Take a cue from Randall Kennedy. Simple -- without dumbing down -- is best. With an interesting and professionally treated topic, getting to the point deprives readers of nothing. And obscure, polysyllabic words aren't as impressive as you think; for the most part all they do is pile it on in already exasperatingly long-winded, dry, dull, often unreadable tomes. From the cheek of its provocative title to the simplicity of its approach, Kennedy's (for the most part) objective offering puts what is arguably the most complex, divisive and volatile contemporary debate -- use of the n-word -- into proper context. Through anecdotal and empirical data, he examines discussion of the n-word in four areas: history, courtroom context, contemporary arguments from all sides and the status and possible fate of the term. He doesn't appear to take a position in the debate. He seems to simply present the rationale and too often inapt arguments supporting the different stances -- in an attempt to allow readers to decide for themselves where they stand. It also might help reinforce an established view. It might even sway a person to a new position. In any case -- whether you're an "eradicationist" (and want to do away with the word altogether) or a "regulationist" (who prefers that the term's use be severely restricted) -- if you have any feelings on the subject, this book can help you put your emotions in check and your arguments into perspective.
Rating:
Summary: Little word with big effect
Review: When I learned that Prof. Kennedy was publishing a book chronicling the history of the N-word, I knew immediately that I would want to read it... This scene conveys the power the word has for blacks as well as whites.
In fact, words that sound like the infamous word bring forth the ire of some. For instance, Prof... These people have been all but burned at the stake for using a word that merely sounds like the N-word. Indeed, the two words are not even related etymologically.
These, and other, stories will hopefully alert readers to the hyper-sensitivity of those trained to react almost violently to that mighty shibboleth.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting study of a intense word.
Review: I thought this was a good book. I'm a curious, Southern, white, educated individual with modern thinking who was always curious on this subject. Unfortunately, it is such a antagonistic subject, I couldn't really quell any curiosity. It covered a lot of bases and was good chewing material. It gives some insight into the plight of Black America. The only thing I didn't like was about 1/4 of the content was footnote references. I don't think this is a re-reader, but good pretty good the first time.
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