Why it's so hard to talk about the N-word | Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor

A black woman recounts her experience when a student used the N-word in her classroom, leading to a public reckoning with the word's history and impact on her and her students.

The speaker reflects on her decision to never say the N-word, opting for the euphemistic phrase instead, and the internal struggle she faced in academia.

Discussion on points of encounter with the N-word, including experiences of hearing, using, or being called the slur, and the various emotional responses it triggers.

Exploration of the challenges in discussing the N-word, its significance beyond being just a word, and the historical, social, and racial implications embedded within it.

The speaker shares experiences of teaching the N-word in academic settings, student reactions, and the impact of faculty using the word carelessly on student learning and trust.

Insight into how the N-word permeates youth culture, music, media, and daily interactions of students, highlighting the need for open conversations and understanding.

Discussion on the taboo nature of conversations about the N-word, student experiences of discomfort, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for open dialogue in classrooms.

Encouragement to delve into personal encounters with the N-word and brave discussions, emphasizing the importance of understanding its impact and history.

Strategies for facilitating honest discussions about the N-word in educational settings, acknowledging its complexity and historical context while avoiding retraumatization.