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Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word - with a New Introduction by the Author

Description:

The twentieth anniversary edition of one of the most controversial books ever published on race and language is now more relevant than ever in this season of racial reckoning—from “one of our most important and perceptive writers on race" (The Washington Post).

In addition to a brave and bracing inquiry into the origins, uses, and impact of the infamous word, this edition features an extensive new introduction that addresses major developments in its evolution during the last two decades of its vexed history.

In the new introduction to his classic work, Kennedy questions the claim that “nigger” is the most tabooed term in the American language, faced with the implacable prevalence of its old-fashioned anti-Black sense. “Nigger” continues to be part of the loud soundtrack of the worst instances of racial aggression in American life—racially motivated assaults and murders, arson, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and workplace harassment.

Consider this: twenty years ago, Kennedy wrote that any major politician credibly accused of using “nigger” would be immediately abandoned and ostracized. He was wrong. Donald Trump, former POTUS himself, was credibly charged, and the allegation caused little more than a yawn. No one doubted the accuracy of the claim but amidst all his other racist acts his “nigger-baiting” no longer seemed shocking. “Nigger” is still very much alive and all too widely accepted.
 
On the other hand, Kennedy is concerned to address the many episodes in which people have been punished for quoting, enunciating, or saying “nigger” in circumstances that should have made it clear that the speakers were doing nothing wrong—or at least nothing sufficiently wrong to merit the extent of the denunciation they suffered.

He discusses, for example, the inquisition of Bill Maher (and his pathetic apology) and the (white) teachers who have been disciplined for reading out loud texts that contain “nigger.” He argues that in assessing these controversies, we ought to be more careful about the use/mention distinction: menacingly calling someone a “nigger” is wholly different than quoting a sentence from a text by James Baldwin or Toni Morrison or Flannery O’Connor or Mark Twain.
 
Kennedy argues against the proposition that different rules should apply depending upon the race of the speaker of “nigger,” offering stunningly commonsensical reasons for abjuring the erection of such boundaries.
 
He concludes by venturing a forecast about the likely status of “nigger” in American culture during the next twenty years when we will see the clear ascendance of a so-called “minority majority” body politic—which term itself is redolent of white supremacy.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“Provocative. . . . engaging and informative.” —The New York Times

“Should be required reading. . . . This little book deserves to be read especially if we seek better understanding of ourselves and others.” –
The Dallas Morning News

“Demonstrates a key truth about the N-word. . . . it tracks our racial history and stars in a slew of court decisions that reveal large truths about bigotry and free expression.”–
Philadelphia Inquirer

“A detailed, well-researched book. . . . Kennedy boils centuries of usage–in conversation, literature, legal proceedings–down to the most pertinent and instructive.” –San Francisco Chronicle

From the Back Cover

It's "the nuclear bomb of racial epithets," a word that whites have employed to wound and degrade African Americans for three centuries. Paradoxically, among many black people it has become a term of affection and even empowerment. The word, of course, is "nigger, and in this candid, lucidly argued book the distinguished legal scholar Randall Kennedy traces its origins, maps its multifarious connotations, and explores the controversies that rage around it.
Should blacks be able to use "nigger in ways forbidden to others? Should the law treat it as a provocation that reduces the culpability of those who respond to it violently? Should it cost a person his job, or a book like Huckleberry Finn its place on library shelves? With a range of reference that extends from the Jim Crow south to Chris Rock routines and the O. J. Simpson trial, Kennedy takes on not just a word, but our laws, attitudes, and culture with bracing courage and intelligence.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and well-written, take a look

c. · January 10, 2017

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I liked the idea that someone would write a book with this title. Not because it would shock or offend, but because this word (which I'm not going to use in my review) to this day has the ability to shock, injure and horrify nearly everyone and some of its power really ought to be drained away. This book is a good place to start. The usage of the word is traced from its origins right up to its usage In the present day. I have always felt that hearing 'grown-ups' using a ridiculous phrase like 'the n-word' makes them sound about three years old. Like the way we kids used to describe 'dirty' or swear words in hushed tones. It's sounds pathetic. I certainly don't advocate the open usage of the word, but a thorough understanding of its origins and usage over the centuries just might allow us to take it down from its pedestal and throw it in the trash where it belongs. Lenny Bruce used to do a bit, on stage back in the late 50s and early 60s, that tried to show that keeping this word in the shadows only allowed it to keep its bizarre 'power' over people. Check it out, it's an eye-opener.

5.0 out of 5 stars Title Says It All

N.H.B. · April 21, 2025

Excellent read

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for everyone

W.L. · August 31, 2023

I got the first edition back in 2002 and it helped me to conduct race relations classes in both civilian and military jobs Mr Kennedy's book offers insight especially now 20 yrs later as we still encounter issues with the N word I am a biracial baby boomer Puerto Rican and German grew up in the depressed areas on NYC but I survived Racism is our ugliest disease of the mind anyone can have But it has to changeWe cannot change the past it is what it is. However we can redirect our attention by teaching the youth about the errors made that still affect us to our present time and attempt to redirect their thinking about theses things. At the same time we the older generations should also change those around us which makes it a sort of pincer movement from the top and bottom of this disease and eradicate it.Many people in our society, regardless of race creed sexual orientation religion and so on has a part to play. And, as we all can see many of those individual groups are intelligent teachers government officials actors/actresses. Musicians, song writers, medical personnel and so one . Not the individuals spoken about from other individuals with deep rooted prejudice, racist ideologies.We are in the 21st century. We are all decent human beings that really need to treat each other on equal ground. That's we we have the rules and laws that exist today in an effort to overcome and reduce the crazy ideas that are negative towards others. And the laws attempt to fairly treat all individuals equally. I am not speaking about Utopia. I am speaking of the ideals we were taught as children that somewhere along the way got lost.I enjoyed Mr Kennedy's first book 20 yrs ago and I enjoyed this anniversary edition with equal delight. I know no one is perfect but in both of Mr Kennedy's books then and know the message is quite simple. We as honest faithful people to our creator must cease the hatred and correct our attitudes about people we don't know a lot about or don't understand. And I mean every person not leaving anyone out. I urge people to stop take a bit of time to get and read this book. Tell your family and friends about this book. It will help everyone realize an ages old problem for what it really is. Please read this book and try to help make a change' Thank you for your time

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and informative

O.S. · January 16, 2023

This book didn't take long to read. There was some humor and some things to think about.

5.0 out of 5 stars Book

J.H. · February 15, 2025

Book with strange name.

5.0 out of 5 stars The best piece of historical writing on language and race

D.S. · March 7, 2015

Dr. Randall Kennedy is a proffesor and historian at Harvard University and his book on the history of the most inflamatory word in the English language is a brilliant study on America, race relations and how clear it is that human rights is still America's greatest challenge.The word is so inflamatory that the editorial computers at Amazon Vine will not publish this review if I mention the title. Kennedy addresses the use of the word in Rap music, among the African American community as well as it's early uses centuries ago and how slavery has made it far worse than other racial slurs.The book is not at all dull. One might expect a Harvard dissertation but that's not at all the case, whether he is discussing Jim Crow or Tupac. The end result is a book that everyone must read and no one will be sorry he did.

5.0 out of 5 stars American history lessons

W.b.g. · April 25, 2024

I had purchased this book when it was first published, I was working ar the palm beach Florida school Royal Palm on Lawrence Avenue, I left it on a table went to men's room returned and it my book was gone, I hope that it has given insight to whoever "borrowed " it.

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth the book, but seller appears careless

T.O.G. · December 25, 2020

Arrived with scratches on the cover. It was in plastic and the text was otherwise intact, but the seller clearly doesn't handle books respectfully. This book is out of print in the classic sense of it not having a formal reprint. You'd think it would mean something to the former owner. Truth told, a partial refund would be nice.

If you are open to understanding, you should read this book.

P. · January 12, 2020

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } A great resource for those who wish to learn. If you are not open to learning, and changing your position on this topic, then don't bother to read this book.

Very interesting reading

C. · January 3, 2019

Very interesting reading. Insightful and worth a read.

An Interesting book!

A.C. · September 1, 2019

Really liked the book. Thought provoking.

Four Stars

S.F. · April 15, 2018

This book arrived on time and was used for research. Thank you

Arrived on time!

A. · January 15, 2019

Great Book!

Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word - with a New Introduction by the Author

Product ID: U0593316525
Condition: New

4.6

AED17710

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Order today to get by 7-14 business days

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Similar items from “African American Studies”

Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word - with a New Introduction by the Author

Product ID: U0593316525
Condition: New

4.6

Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word - with a New Introduction by the Author-0
Type: Hardcover

AED17710

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

The twentieth anniversary edition of one of the most controversial books ever published on race and language is now more relevant than ever in this season of racial reckoning—from “one of our most important and perceptive writers on race" (The Washington Post).

In addition to a brave and bracing inquiry into the origins, uses, and impact of the infamous word, this edition features an extensive new introduction that addresses major developments in its evolution during the last two decades of its vexed history.

In the new introduction to his classic work, Kennedy questions the claim that “nigger” is the most tabooed term in the American language, faced with the implacable prevalence of its old-fashioned anti-Black sense. “Nigger” continues to be part of the loud soundtrack of the worst instances of racial aggression in American life—racially motivated assaults and murders, arson, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and workplace harassment.

Consider this: twenty years ago, Kennedy wrote that any major politician credibly accused of using “nigger” would be immediately abandoned and ostracized. He was wrong. Donald Trump, former POTUS himself, was credibly charged, and the allegation caused little more than a yawn. No one doubted the accuracy of the claim but amidst all his other racist acts his “nigger-baiting” no longer seemed shocking. “Nigger” is still very much alive and all too widely accepted.
 
On the other hand, Kennedy is concerned to address the many episodes in which people have been punished for quoting, enunciating, or saying “nigger” in circumstances that should have made it clear that the speakers were doing nothing wrong—or at least nothing sufficiently wrong to merit the extent of the denunciation they suffered.

He discusses, for example, the inquisition of Bill Maher (and his pathetic apology) and the (white) teachers who have been disciplined for reading out loud texts that contain “nigger.” He argues that in assessing these controversies, we ought to be more careful about the use/mention distinction: menacingly calling someone a “nigger” is wholly different than quoting a sentence from a text by James Baldwin or Toni Morrison or Flannery O’Connor or Mark Twain.
 
Kennedy argues against the proposition that different rules should apply depending upon the race of the speaker of “nigger,” offering stunningly commonsensical reasons for abjuring the erection of such boundaries.
 
He concludes by venturing a forecast about the likely status of “nigger” in American culture during the next twenty years when we will see the clear ascendance of a so-called “minority majority” body politic—which term itself is redolent of white supremacy.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“Provocative. . . . engaging and informative.” —The New York Times

“Should be required reading. . . . This little book deserves to be read especially if we seek better understanding of ourselves and others.” –
The Dallas Morning News

“Demonstrates a key truth about the N-word. . . . it tracks our racial history and stars in a slew of court decisions that reveal large truths about bigotry and free expression.”–
Philadelphia Inquirer

“A detailed, well-researched book. . . . Kennedy boils centuries of usage–in conversation, literature, legal proceedings–down to the most pertinent and instructive.” –San Francisco Chronicle

From the Back Cover

It's "the nuclear bomb of racial epithets," a word that whites have employed to wound and degrade African Americans for three centuries. Paradoxically, among many black people it has become a term of affection and even empowerment. The word, of course, is "nigger, and in this candid, lucidly argued book the distinguished legal scholar Randall Kennedy traces its origins, maps its multifarious connotations, and explores the controversies that rage around it.
Should blacks be able to use "nigger in ways forbidden to others? Should the law treat it as a provocation that reduces the culpability of those who respond to it violently? Should it cost a person his job, or a book like Huckleberry Finn its place on library shelves? With a range of reference that extends from the Jim Crow south to Chris Rock routines and the O. J. Simpson trial, Kennedy takes on not just a word, but our laws, attitudes, and culture with bracing courage and intelligence.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and well-written, take a look

c. · January 10, 2017

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I liked the idea that someone would write a book with this title. Not because it would shock or offend, but because this word (which I'm not going to use in my review) to this day has the ability to shock, injure and horrify nearly everyone and some of its power really ought to be drained away. This book is a good place to start. The usage of the word is traced from its origins right up to its usage In the present day. I have always felt that hearing 'grown-ups' using a ridiculous phrase like 'the n-word' makes them sound about three years old. Like the way we kids used to describe 'dirty' or swear words in hushed tones. It's sounds pathetic. I certainly don't advocate the open usage of the word, but a thorough understanding of its origins and usage over the centuries just might allow us to take it down from its pedestal and throw it in the trash where it belongs. Lenny Bruce used to do a bit, on stage back in the late 50s and early 60s, that tried to show that keeping this word in the shadows only allowed it to keep its bizarre 'power' over people. Check it out, it's an eye-opener.

5.0 out of 5 stars Title Says It All

N.H.B. · April 21, 2025

Excellent read

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for everyone

W.L. · August 31, 2023

I got the first edition back in 2002 and it helped me to conduct race relations classes in both civilian and military jobs Mr Kennedy's book offers insight especially now 20 yrs later as we still encounter issues with the N word I am a biracial baby boomer Puerto Rican and German grew up in the depressed areas on NYC but I survived Racism is our ugliest disease of the mind anyone can have But it has to changeWe cannot change the past it is what it is. However we can redirect our attention by teaching the youth about the errors made that still affect us to our present time and attempt to redirect their thinking about theses things. At the same time we the older generations should also change those around us which makes it a sort of pincer movement from the top and bottom of this disease and eradicate it.Many people in our society, regardless of race creed sexual orientation religion and so on has a part to play. And, as we all can see many of those individual groups are intelligent teachers government officials actors/actresses. Musicians, song writers, medical personnel and so one . Not the individuals spoken about from other individuals with deep rooted prejudice, racist ideologies.We are in the 21st century. We are all decent human beings that really need to treat each other on equal ground. That's we we have the rules and laws that exist today in an effort to overcome and reduce the crazy ideas that are negative towards others. And the laws attempt to fairly treat all individuals equally. I am not speaking about Utopia. I am speaking of the ideals we were taught as children that somewhere along the way got lost.I enjoyed Mr Kennedy's first book 20 yrs ago and I enjoyed this anniversary edition with equal delight. I know no one is perfect but in both of Mr Kennedy's books then and know the message is quite simple. We as honest faithful people to our creator must cease the hatred and correct our attitudes about people we don't know a lot about or don't understand. And I mean every person not leaving anyone out. I urge people to stop take a bit of time to get and read this book. Tell your family and friends about this book. It will help everyone realize an ages old problem for what it really is. Please read this book and try to help make a change' Thank you for your time

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and informative

O.S. · January 16, 2023

This book didn't take long to read. There was some humor and some things to think about.

5.0 out of 5 stars Book

J.H. · February 15, 2025

Book with strange name.

5.0 out of 5 stars The best piece of historical writing on language and race

D.S. · March 7, 2015

Dr. Randall Kennedy is a proffesor and historian at Harvard University and his book on the history of the most inflamatory word in the English language is a brilliant study on America, race relations and how clear it is that human rights is still America's greatest challenge.The word is so inflamatory that the editorial computers at Amazon Vine will not publish this review if I mention the title. Kennedy addresses the use of the word in Rap music, among the African American community as well as it's early uses centuries ago and how slavery has made it far worse than other racial slurs.The book is not at all dull. One might expect a Harvard dissertation but that's not at all the case, whether he is discussing Jim Crow or Tupac. The end result is a book that everyone must read and no one will be sorry he did.

5.0 out of 5 stars American history lessons

W.b.g. · April 25, 2024

I had purchased this book when it was first published, I was working ar the palm beach Florida school Royal Palm on Lawrence Avenue, I left it on a table went to men's room returned and it my book was gone, I hope that it has given insight to whoever "borrowed " it.

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth the book, but seller appears careless

T.O.G. · December 25, 2020

Arrived with scratches on the cover. It was in plastic and the text was otherwise intact, but the seller clearly doesn't handle books respectfully. This book is out of print in the classic sense of it not having a formal reprint. You'd think it would mean something to the former owner. Truth told, a partial refund would be nice.

If you are open to understanding, you should read this book.

P. · January 12, 2020

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } A great resource for those who wish to learn. If you are not open to learning, and changing your position on this topic, then don't bother to read this book.

Very interesting reading

C. · January 3, 2019

Very interesting reading. Insightful and worth a read.

An Interesting book!

A.C. · September 1, 2019

Really liked the book. Thought provoking.

Four Stars

S.F. · April 15, 2018

This book arrived on time and was used for research. Thank you

Arrived on time!

A. · January 15, 2019

Great Book!

More from this brand

Similar items from “African American Studies”