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Writer's Room => Kidlit Genres => Topic started by: carol-baldwin on March 12, 2021, 08:21 AM

Title: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: carol-baldwin on March 12, 2021, 08:21 AM

I am writing an historical MG novel that takes place in NC in the south in 1950. I want to quote a flyer by the KKK that was distributed that had the N-word in it. What is appropriate to do? 

Title: Re: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: mrh on March 12, 2021, 08:55 AM

I would not, unless you are Black. You can probably find a way to quote a few words that imply the tone of the flyer without using that one. You could also have a character react to a word they read in the flyer without saying what the word is.

Title: Re: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: Vijaya on March 12, 2021, 08:55 AM

:welcome Carol and yeah, sticky topic indeed. Is there a way to refer to the flyer without using the N-word? Show the hatred of the KKK. Let your characters feel that hatred upon seeing the flyer.

Title: Re: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: Pons on March 12, 2021, 11:35 AM

I wouldn't. The word is so emotionally charged and heavy with ugly history that it's just better to let it go.

Title: Re: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: carol-baldwin on March 12, 2021, 11:36 AM

Thank you, Pons. How about "Negro" ?

Title: Re: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: andracill on March 12, 2021, 02:31 PM

I personally think that historically accurate language is fine (such as 'negro'), but I would definitely avoid words that have truly negative connotations.

Title: Re: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: carol-baldwin on March 12, 2021, 03:23 PM

Thank you, Robin. I appreciate your thoughts.

Title: Re: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: Debbie Vilardi on March 12, 2021, 06:36 PM

This is such a balancing act. You want your characters to be authentic to the time. Negro would work. (The actual N-word would be too hurtful.) Be careful not to force a modern reaction to the words on characters that wouldn't react that way. Be true to the era and the people you are writing.

Title: Re: Sticky topic- using the N-word in historical fiction
Post by: carol-baldwin on March 13, 2021, 03:16 AM

Thank you, Debbie. It is a balancing act, for sure!!