Randall Kennedy

And I thought there was a lot of power behind that gentleman's comment.

I think that what he said is probably correct insofar as there are probably some people who read the book.

There are probably some people who are listening to our conversation right now.

who will think that I'm giving people permission to use the word.

You know, I have said that I'm not.

I want people to understand the word.

I think that there is a burden that comes from whenever you utter a word like this.

but that's, you know, that's a critique.

And I think there's, I think there's strength to that critique.

I'm not going to say that that's a ridiculous critique.

I think that there is something to that.

And by the way, I should say, and that's why I would say to anyone, that's right.

If this word comes out of your mouth, you are taking on real responsibility.

So for years, it doesn't happen so much now, but they were, I'd say for about the first,

five years after this book was published, I would get an email at least once a week.

And it would begin like this, you know, dear Professor Kennedy, I read your book and I'm calling to ask you a question.

And as soon as I saw that, I knew what the question was going to be.

And what the person would say is the following.

I like rap.

And then I knew what was coming.