Search - The N Word - Divided We Stand on DVD

Great Film, Good For Education Settings

Dorrie Wheeler | 01/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hip-hop stars and top entertainers weigh in on one of the most controversal words in the history of language. The N Word is now available on DVD. The "N" word, depending on who says it, can be a term of endearment or a derogatory word. Basically, that is what the film The N Word is about. Entertainers discuss the word. Various entertainers discuss when they were called the N word in the first segment of the film. Up for discussion is also the history of the word. Another interesting subject brought up is whether it's okay for white people to use the friend in a friendly tone. For example, if two black teens call themselves the N word in jest, is it okay for their white friend to use the N Word?

A lot of top talent was tapped for this project.

On the acting side, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summers, Nia Long, Samuel L Jackson, Richard Pryor, Regina King,

On the directing side Brett Ratner, Ice Cube and John Singleton are featured in the film.

On the music side Cee Lo Green, Damon Dash, Ice Cube, Talib Kweli, Quincy Jones, and more.

In addition to the entertainers who participate in the film, many respected educators contribute their insite.

The N Word is a great film and it would be perfect to use in an educational setting. The film includes a great deal of historical film footage."

It's hard to hurt me with words

C. Christopher Blackshere | I am the devil's reject | 04/05/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Almighty N word. Never before has a simple connection of letters carried such an immense variation in meaning, context, or effect. This is an interesting investigation of the most controversial taboo word ever conjoured up. Over the course of the past two decades, it has lost much of its raw biting power.

You can credit much of that to the immortal gangsta rap group N.W.A. In the early 90's, their liberal use of the word partially redefined its context, turning it from a negative term to a positive one.

Actually the N word might have began to lose its edge a few years prior to that, courtesy of Comedic God Richard Pryor. His frequent use of the word caused a vast wave of reactions.

Today the N word is prevalent in music and movies, and its offensive nature has been diluted. It's been transformed more into a word of affection. BUT, it still carries a long history of racism and deragotory usage that is not easy to disregard.

All of this is discussed thoroughly in this documentary. Hear Chris Rock, Samuel Jackson, George Carlin, Ice Cube, Michael Rappaport, Whoppi Goldberg and other celebrities give their take. You might be surprised by some of their opinions.

I think the bottom line is this--the N word still carries power. No overusage of the word will totally seperate it from its earlier attachment to racism, slavery, and inferiority. Even though social gaps will continue to disintegrate as ignorance and hatred get flushed away, its harsh deragotory roots are not easily disregarded.

This DVD is an excellent conversation starter."

Sociology Tool

M. Tucker | 04/03/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this in my Social Problems class, when we were discussing race and ethnicity. The use of "nigger" was used an excessive amount of time, surely to get the point across, however I just found it annoying. A bit long, but informational and midley entertaining. I would recommend renting this on NetFlixs rather than purchasing the movie. Good for a college classroom because it leads to good conversation among students."