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.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By
Season
June 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 10, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 10, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:45
June 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 8, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
24:09
June 8, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 7, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
24:09
June 7, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 6, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 6, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 5, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 5, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 4, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 4, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 3, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 3, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 1, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
24:09
June 1, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
May 31, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
24:09
May 31, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Active loading indicator