Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

How the n-word became the 'atomic bomb of racial slurs'

Its effect can be explosive and painful: Harvard University professor Randall Kennedy has traced the history of the n-word to understand the evolution of the infamous racial slur. Kennedy joins special correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault to discuss this history, including reappropriations of the word and the complexities and damages of its usage today.

Support Provided By
Season
September 4, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 4, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 3, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 3, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 1, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 1, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 31, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
August 31, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
August 30, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
August 30, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
August 29, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 29, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 28, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 28, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 27, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 27, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 26, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 26, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 25, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 25, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 24, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
August 24, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Active loading indicator