‘Black-ish’ tackles a sensitive subject
The N-word’s unsavory legacy has roiled the realm of classic literature going back decades before the advent of television [“That word,” Sept. 20].
One of Joseph Conrad’s pivotal works, “The N— of the Narcissus,” was first published in 1897 under an innocuous title, “The Children of the Sea: A Tale of the Forecastle.” Though the N-word had yet to be deemed offensive, the publisher insisted on that title change due to fear that a book about a black man would not sell.
By the mid-20th century, the N-word’s usage evolved to pejorative application, as a definitively racist insult. By that time Conrad’s book had been published for decades under his original title. Newfound aversion to the N-word led to cessation of its publication until early this century.
While some editions over the last decade feature the original title, in 2009 one publisher issued “The N-Word of the Narcissus,” which excised all mention of “n—” in the text. Alas, that well-intended tack met with strident criticism from classic literature purists.
Perhaps discussion “black-ish” prompts by its “The Word” episode will hasten the day when the N-word no longer provokes controversy. Gene Martinez
Orcutt, Calif.
What I didn’t see in the article was this: If blacks are offended because other ethnicities use the N-word, the solution is, blacks shouldn’t use it either. It is just as offensive. It is no different than a black person calling a white person a “honky.” If blacks don’t want other people to use the N-word, than the buck stops with them. They can’t use it either, in music, comedy or anything. Blacks can’t have it both ways.
Marlene Drozd
Las Vegas