By:
Mallary Jean TenoreWe know it's considered taboo to write or say words like "faggot," "redneck," and the "n word," but when such words are an inherent part of a story, how do journalists decide whether to include them? Two recent stories from the
St. Petersburg Times reveal that sometimes, without these words, there would be no story.
In a piece titled "From One Word, a New Outlook: Learning about the History of the N-Word Changes Students’ Attitudes,"
St. Pete Times reporter Nicole Hutcheson tells the story of a group of students who did a school project on the history of the "n word." The story takes readers on an exploration of the word's origin, its historical implications and its modern day usage:
"It's a powerful word, with the ability to be a verbal atomic bomb or any easy way for rappers to connect with fans. Civil rights leaders have tried to bury the word, even as young black kids resurrect it with a pound handshake and a 'wassup my n-----.'" [
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Another piece, written by Jan Wesner of the
St. Petersburg Times, uses the word "redneck" to describe a local couple that appeared on the TV show, "My Big Redneck Wedding":
"You are cordially invited to attend the second wedding of Christy and Kevin Gonzalez. Nuptials will include mud wrestling, mattress surfing and a donkey. Get an invitation like that, and there's little question. You are a redneck." [
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Joseph, Your question, "How do you know when to say...
