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 > >