Presents BOTH sides for a change
hessa | Boston, MA | 06/13/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This documentary addresses the inflammatory nature of the n-word, but it also includes interviews with many people who find it an acceptable and loving way to greet a friend. I appreciate the film because it does not attempt to speak for the black community and come down on just one side of the issue. Rather, it educates the viewer on the history of the word and its present usage.
The N-Word is a great film for young people to see, although with clips from Richard Pryor's routines, there is a lot of swearing and some pretty raunchy sexual humor. Frankly, though, the average teen who uses the n-word in daily conversation has heard much worse. Many noteworthy members of the black community weigh in on the issue, including Samuel L Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Russell Simmons, and Chris Rock, as well as several hip-hop personalities, scholars, and social activists. Whites, Asians, and Hispanics are also given a voice.
Whatever your race and view of the n-word, you will have to consider an alternative point of view--and isn't that what a good documentary asks us to do?"
Enlightening
B. Stephens | South Texas | 07/24/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nicely made - Well said - a must for anyone wanting to take context beyond surface value."