stainer wrote on Sep 3
rd, 2010 at 4:03pm:
There are a couple of words, that when used in any context, can cause misunderstanding and hurt that doesn't get repaired easily.
I disagree.
There are very few words, when used in the right context, that do not have the power to cause misunderstanding and hurt that doesn't get repaired easily.
There are even fewer words that do not have any legitimate context. This one, in particular, still sees plenty of use every day by millions who feel it has the ability to be used in a way that does not cause misunderstanding/hurt.
This is not to say that Harkins' use of the N-word was appropriate... I doubt it was. But to say there aren't legitimate uses of the word is just foolish. I'll provide an example that I'm guessing you are familiar with:
In a court of law, it is important to capture and reiterate the exact words used at some crime scenes. When repeating something that is said, a lawyer does not say "N-word", they repeat the quote verbatim (at least in my experience... I obviously haven't attended every hearing in every courtroom across the country). Given that someone's freedom may depend on ensuring that there is no confusion about what was said at the time in question, I think this, without question, a legitimate context in which that word, or any word, should be used.
Edit: as to my experience, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do was stifle my laughter in a courtroom when a very polite, small-statured, and soft-spoken lawyer repeated racial epithets and undeniably course language, including several fucks and c-words. It was incredibly awkward and awesome at the same time, for everyone in the courtroom.