What is the "W" word? Whitey?
Shawn Collins

Ronald Racilis wrote:

> Steve,
>
> I think the historical context of the word "nigger" may make it less of an
> appropriate word to use in a white American classroom context than would
> "W" or "Honkey. In other words, the terms "honkey" or "W" are not
> laden with images of slavery, disenfranchisement, lynching, Jim Crow
> laws, etc. I'm not trying to defend use of one text over another, but
> merely pointing out an issue that's often overlooked when discussing
> the appropriateness of Twain's or Angelou's works.
>
> Ron Racilis
> Arcata, California
>
> On Sun, 1 Mar 1998, Ropapope wrote:
>
> > My kids don't read Mark Twain in any form in school, but they do have to read
> > Maya Angelou. She uses the "W" word and"Honkey" liberally. Maybe the NAACP
> > should have her books banned as unappropriate.
> >
> > Steve Hatch
> > Austin,TX
> >