My Students and the "N - word"

From preschool through the 12th grade - I attended a predominately black school. I've always lived in a more diverse neighborhood, but my schools were mostly black.

In my four years as a teacher at a predominately (97 percent) Hispanic high school, I've heard the "n-word" more than I had in total my entire 22 years prior to teaching.

Today, during my 8th period I finally had ENOUGH!!

I stopped class in the middle of a lesson on essay writing and addressed the issue for what I hope to be the last time...

"Miss, you don't understand - we brought up this way," one boy said.

My face said "you've got to be s***ing me," but my lips offered "so your parents taught you to use the "n-word?"

The debate lasted for nearly 30 minutes.

Three boys, all "wannabe" thugs consistently argued me down and told me that I should NOT be offended by the word.

"We ain't saying it to be disrespectful - that's just how we talk."

They continued to remind me that "most black rappers use the word."

I acknowledged the truth in that, but still wonder why they believe that justifies their behavior.

"Those rappers will have to answer to God the same day we will," I told him. "They'll have to explain why the world was their audience and yet they didn't distribute something more than simple ignorance."

No one should the "n-word." Color, cultural background and group preference means nothing when it comes to this word...

I don't use it... my black family doesn't use it...

In fact, while I admit to often times having a potty mouth - I HAVE NEVER used racially sensitive/offensive language. I was raised better than that and have a great respect for the diversity that makes this world what it is.

I'm getting angry all over again, so I'm going to take a break...