A few days ago, Michael Richards made the Earth wobble on its axis. In a recent stand-up routine, he lost his temper and called hecklers what is euphemistically known as "the n-word". Make your own judgement about Michael Richards; he's irrelevant. What's interesting is how the media tried to describe it. His rant caused the the press to become tongue-tied, even if it thought itself eloquent. It begs the question, what is the "n-word"?

Sorry, I can't tell you. If I do, this post will be flagged and removed. I'll respond by saying it is "the word that must not be said (except as amended)". Call it the Harry Potter principle. In the book, Harry was told about a wizard so evil that other wizards called him "he who must not be named". He was puzzled, but nobody would tell him who they meant. Finally somebody whispered to him that it was Lord Voldemort. Afterwards, when Harry said Voldemort aloud instead of "he who must not be named", everybody got upset.

I can give you some about the word. It is used repeatedly on rap stations, both in conversation and music. In an hour of listening, you may hear it used 50 times. For most of our history, the word was understood to be derogatory and demeaning to black people. Saying or writing it came to be acceptable only when discussing its use by others.

In recent years, it's become socially acceptable when used by black people, both in entertainment and in conversation with each other. It is acceptable regardless of context. However, a black person must only use the "n-word" euphemism when talking to a non-black person. It is totally unacceptable for any non-black person to say anything but "the n-word" under any circumstances. It is also unacceptable for any media, other than rap stations, to say anything but the "n-word". Thus, the tongue-tied reporting about the Michael Richards rant.

This can make everyday communication awkward as well. If you are non-black and want to purchase a CD by a particular rap group, you should first know where to find it. Otherwise, you'll find yourself asking the clerk for a CD by the group "N-words" with Attitude.

In the Harry Potter series, the other wizards and witches eventually found enough courage to say the name "Voldemort". Instead of being afraid to think about him, they realized they could follow and help Harry to face him.

Do you think it's possible "the n-word" might be our "he who must not be named"? The special status we've given the word by making its use acceptable only by some gives it a power it doesn't deserve. Why don't we grow up, develop some courage and drop the bizzare rules surrounding it? Only then, will everybody remember that the word was and is a slur and put it back in the trash were it belongs.

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