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#379 – Randall Kennedy: The N-Word – History of Race, Law, Politics, and Power

Lex Fridman Podcast

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The Evolution of a Racial Slur

This chapter examines the historical origins and transformation of the racial slur 'nigger' from the 16th to 19th centuries, emphasizing its transition from a descriptive term to a derogatory one. It discusses the impact of a controversial book on the understanding of the term and the challenges educators face when addressing sensitive racial topics in academic environments. The narrative advocates for a thoughtful engagement with the word's history and its implications for modern culture, particularly in the context of art and activism.

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