Randall Kennedy

I'm a writer.

I want people to read what I write.

Was I being sensationalistic?

Well, I mean, if you want to put it like that, yes.

I'm not embarrassed to say that.

I mean, I'm sure that when people write books, they think really hard about their titles and they try to get a title that will grab people's attention.

I know people, respect people very deeply who never, it's a matter of principle, never utter this word.

And I've talked with people.

I've had people say, you know, I read your book.

Let's talk about it.

But let's be very clear.

I'm not going to use the word.

I've had many conversations with people who've asked me not to use the word.

I was on a – the first time this came up,

was a book tour.

It was 20 years ago when the book first came out, and I was on one of these call-in shows early in the morning.

Time came to call in.

Seven o'clock, I call in at five of seven.

Right before I go on, the host of the show says, oh, by the way, we have a strict policy here at the station.

We never use this word.