Rating: 
Summary: A linguist should have written this book
Review: Quoting Oliver Wendell Holmes, the author misunderstands the concept of context and determination in reference the malleable meaning of the N-word. Obviously the word has been transformed by the African-American community, allowing it to take on positive, affective meanings when used to refer to in-group members, that is, other African-Americans. The word *nigga* with its "r-lessness" and positive meaning functions in terms of African-American dialect. Correlative changes in affective meaning (as well as phonology!) do not necessarily occur when Euro-American speakers use the word, even though their underlying intent may be similar to speakers of African-American English.
This is because the word, as the title indicates, has a history which determines its meaning by groups of speakers. This word has yet to be transformed by Euro-Americans in terms of usage by white-speakers, and the sociohistorical context still plays a overdeterming role in its meaning for white speakers. Rather that realizing this, Kennedy implies in places that meaning is determined by individuals rather than the language or history itself. This creates a possible problem with trivializing and abusing the word within particular contexts. He should have consulted a linguist before publishing this book, is all I can say. John Baugh, John Rickford, Arthur K. Spears, or William Labov could have assisted him in introducing and clarifying what should have been, in addition to a cultural and legal analysis, a linguistic one.
Rating: 
Summary: Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word
Review: I like the fact the the author names this book "The Stange Career of a Troublesome Word" bc that is exactly what this book entails. The book briefly talks abt the etymology of the N-word. It doesn't really get into all the root words & their meanings, but that's okay bc the title never suggests that anyhow. The book does, however, do a good job of citing documented historical uses of the word. That is this book in a nutshell. The author does a good job of not letting so much of his own personal views of the words usage cloud facts. One thing I thought the book could have done, was get more into the areas of African American usage of the word. The book in short, says that "blacks" use the word, sometimes as a term of endearment, but that is not the only way "blacks" exclusively use the term. I, myself, often use the word as an alternative noun-adjective combo for black men. (Will there big any good-looking niggas at the club tonight.) Anyway, that's another story entirely. I feel that this book is a must read, if not only to bring back to your rememberance this word's "strange career" & ignite new thougts within yourself on if/when/how this word should or should not be used. The book is fairly short & won't take a year to study. + The title of the book is big & bold & will spark a conversation wherever you go.
Rating:
Summary: YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING! - This book dezerves zero stars!
Review: Before purchasing a copy of this book, I read and heard the media reviews about it. I was led to believe that Randall Kennedy had written something unique and perceptive. Sadly, this is not the case. Absolutely nothing new, or even particularly insightful is presented here. Instead, you'll find a compilation of the same old, overused cliché-ridden "news" stories that we've all seen so often in the past. In fact, this book doesn't even raise any race-related questions worthy of serious consideration. I believe that the only reason the book is selling so well is because of the "provocative" cover.Bottom line: After reading this volume, I felt as if I had been cheated out of my money. Guess what? I was right. Did I hear someone say "publish or perish?"
Rating:
Summary: An academically elite "Hustle!"
Review: My first exposure to Kennedy's work ("Nigger") was the advertisement through the episode on "Boston Public." Since then, I have had occasion to draw my opinions, as to his 'motives' when he was featured on C-Span and Politically Incorrect. On C-Span his views were not challenged, yet his explanations for approaching "the very subject", were both impotent and extremely shallow for such a learnded academician. On Politically Incorrect, he was 'so overshadowed' (intellectually) by the young lady who played the role of "Vanessa", on the Cosby Show, I was personally embarrassed for him. It seems clear to me, his motivation (while greatly demeaning to individuals of African heritage) is simply for pursuit of the "mighty dollar!"
Rating:
Summary: Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word
Review: Randall Kennedy, a law professor at Harvard University, is the author of the book entitled, Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word. At first glance one may think that he, like so many others before him, is trying to explain the history of this malignant word. One may even expect this educated Black man to champion the need to allow this word that has been the fire spark of so much hurt and anguish, to enjoy the eternal rest of the grave. Kennedy's book is surprising. In it he does not explore the possible ramifications of the word...on the African-American society, nor does he address the harsh stigma that is carried within that seemingly innocent combination of six little letters. He does none of his. Instead Kennedy advocates legitimizing the word...and tries to justify its mainstream usage much in the same way that others have rallied to legalize the use of marijuana. This was an unusual feat, one that is distasteful as well as degrading.
For some time now, White America has questioned the use of the word...amongst its Black counterparts. There is no definitive answer for this. All that can be said or explained is based on history and feelings. The history of the N-word speaks for itself. It took its first breath in a time of brutality and inhumane treatment...This little six-letter word has infiltrated our Black communities; it has infested the minds of our youth, lulling them into a false sense of security. Amongst ourselves, the word...isn't wholly accepted...This word has drawn lines of demarcation within the Black population. It has deepened the ravine between the races and...continues to feed off of the hate that insures its survival.
If this troublesome word were truly acceptable, no one would find fault in its usage. But we do. If this troublesome word were truly as unimportant as Kennedy attempts to make it seem, it would not warrant a book being written on it. But it does. The answer to this moral and ethical dilemma does lie in equality, just not the kind of equality that Kennedy proposed...
Rating: 
Summary: Don't be offended by it's title
Review: I received this title as a recommendation in one of those pesky little e-mails Amazon sends me periodically. I was intridged by the title and took a look at it. I ended up buying it and was I glad I did. The full title really says it all, "Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word". Mr. Kennedy delves into nearly all aspects of the word (at least what I can think of). From it's history, it's place in jokes and popular culture, to it's pure offensiveness and the role it plays in law. The point of the book is not a who should use the word or when. Kennedy does offer his opinions and you will probably be surprised to read them. I was totally enlightened by this book. In my reading I became somewhat desensitized to the word. After all it is just a word. Then again, I don't use nigger in daily conversation. There really is no need to. Just saying the word in any context would likely offend most people within earshot. I don't think people should be scared of the word either. If I hear the word, I don't get upset. I hear complaints from white folk all the time, "why can they use it, and not us!?!" To that I say, "who cares?" Would you really feel any better if you did? So, if you want to learn a lot about the most controversial word in the English language, pick up a copy of this book.
Rating: 
Summary: high expectations...disappointed
Review: I bought this book expecting some new and extensive insight into the "N-word"...and was givin roughly 200 pages of references to court cases. It wasn't until the last 40 pages or so, that any detailed feelings and opinions were offered. Although the book is worth reading, it was disappointing in the end.
Rating:
Summary: Above average
Review: I, like other reviewers, am so sensitive about this word that I feel funny even writing it. The book Nigger will trigger several layers of emotions at the same time. The history of the word covered in the first part of the book triggers intellectual curiosity. However, I found myself repeatedly conflicted about what I was reading. The word, dealt with in such "a matter-of-fact" in the book causes real pain for some people.
I must say that having lived in the south since 1967, I have heard the word much less here than I did in the first 18 years of my life in California and Wisconsin.
Overall I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about the origins of the word and what may happen to it in the future. If you're looking for a book that is controversial keep looking.
Rating:
Summary: Lighten Up!
Review: Geez - I bought this book because I thought it was a Billary Clinton biography.
Seriously, this word is still pervasive. One does not have to be in a redneck bar "down south" to hear it in impolite conversation. I prefer to accept Ken Hamblin's read on the word. If political correctness did not rule the world, it would be easy to find various dictionary definitions of this slur that have nothing to do with any race. I come from a long line of Norwegian Blockheads that revel in the "Ole and Lena" humor that is certainly not a celebration of the Scandinavian intelligensia. Much like the f-word, ignored or shrugged off, the N-word will diminish in significance.
Excuse me now; My four year old grandson just pointed a finger and cocked his thumb at the neighbor boy Although he did not "pull the trigger", I have to go post bail. He looked very manly in handcuffs, but it's almost his bedtime. Sleep well tonight. The PC are awake.
Rating:
Summary: Has so much potential...but falls short
Review: I first heard about this book on Boston Public and that is what made me buy it. I am so glad someone has finally come out and addressed this word that scares so many of us. I feel uncomfortable even typing it out right now. The book starts out with a nice history lesson of the origin of the word, and begins to show how it worked its way into our society, but that is when things start to fall apart. One of things I was hoping this book would do is explain how the word triggers so many different reactions, based on who says it and how it is said. He points out many great examples of this scenario, but he doesn't develop it at all. He tells us it exists, but leaves it it that. Unfortunetly for me, I finished the book not really having learning anything new. I learned more from just watching Boston Public, you may just want to watch that.
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