Some students at Morton East say the N word — and how do we feel about that?  

According to “Straight talk about the N-word” from learningforjustice.org by Sean Price; The N-word is an extraordinarily strong word that has multiple meanings behind it that can sometimes come out as a major insult towards African Americans. The N-word over time has become more used between young adults and students in America, using it as another word referring to a “Friend.” In the past the usage and meaning of the n-word has changed from being a very insulting slur to a more friendly reference among those who can use it (African Americans). In our observation of Morton East, we had noticed that the N-word is quite frequently and commonly used between students who cannot use it. Based on the data we collected, on average, we heard it 25 times throughout the day. It was heard the most in the lunchroom and gym. It was also heard more from Male students than Females.  

 “Yeah, we should be able to say whatever the (heck) we want, I don’t even be offending anyone except (touchy) white people,” says senior Johnathan Gaitan.  

People like Johnathan say it is okay to say the N-word and think anyone else should also be able to say it as well. 

“The N-word doesn’t mean a lot to me as long as it’s not used with the “er” and not used consistently like in every sentence they say but it’s not really an offensive type of word,” says senior Chris Ard.  

As a person of color himself, Chris believes the word is not much of a big deal. 

“I don’t think it’s appropriate because it seems to be a hurtful term, and I don’t recommend students to be using the term it’s like a cussword,” says Mr. Asay.  

The N-word is a strong word that a lot of people do not like the usage of this word. 

“I don’t really mind the N-word, but I feel like people should know that it could be offensive to color people, but also if black people are comfortable with it there is nothing wrong with it, but it all depends how you say it,” anonymous Morton East Student.  

More students believe that the word is very offensive and should avoid the usage of the word. 

“Hispanic Morton East students saying the N-word is out of ignorance. Very inappropriate and normalized,” says junior Omar Godinez.  

Not only do students find the word offensive, but they also believe it is a way of showing poor manners and poor language skills.  

“Hispanics students shouldn’t be able to say the N-word AT-ALL. Any race shouldn’t; nobody should be able to say that word unless you’re black,” says Junior Mia Galvez.  

Very straight forward, Mia says no one should say the N-word besides Black people.