King and the "n" word

[BillyxRansom]

How does a writer who expects to have his work published, get through the very realistic possibility of gaining some SEVERE backlash for using derogatory words like "n*gger" (I won't use it in many contexts, I just won't)?

Does he just take a chance and hope he doesn't get dropped by his publisher or something? He lives in Maine, so I kinda doubt there are really enough ...people... to take too much offense.

[jayson]

I don't have an issue with him using in certain contexts. If it's an accurate representation of the way the character speaks, I think it's fine. I don't like the word, but it's nonetheless true that it's used a lot in the real world. It's not like King uses it casually in any way so I see nothing to be offended by. I'd be more offended if the dialogue didn't ring true. I'd think the publishers see it the same way.

[William50]

Nicely said R of G!

[flaggwalkstheline]

I think that the way it was used was through detta, Detta is Odettas id, since her ethnicity is a large part of her identity then her id being like that makes sense,
Fearing a word, no matter the context, only gives the word more negative power
A word is a word
and a is a
context is everything

[Sam]

The question here Billy is are you talking about King using such language in his written works or using such language himself in an interview. What I would like to know is the context of the usage.

[William50]

The question here Billy is are you talking about King using such language in his written works or using such language himself in an interview. What I would like to know is the context of the usage.

I was sort of wondering the same thing. It would be alot worse if he said it during an interview.

[The Lady of Shadows]

agreed. if it's in context, consistent with character development and plot, and makes sense within the story then it belongs there. in that instance, not using the word might not work. could you imagine detta walker not using it?

on the other hand, if we're talking about real life situations, i deplore that word simply because it's overused and used too often in negative and demeaning ways. i don't say it, i don't like it when my friend use it around me, and the one time my god daughter said it i took her phone (her most precious possesssion) away (with her mother's approval).

i would like to echo sam's point. are we strictly talking about king's use of the word in his fiction writing or is there use of the word in interviews, articles, or editorials. because that might be different, again depending on the context.

[Brice]

I'm unaware of King ever using the word at all anywhere outside of his stories. His use of that word and other similar terms has always seemed necessary and appropriate when he has used it.

[John_and_Yoko]

One thing I notice is that his villains are always racist, sexist, and every other "ist" in the book....

I wonder if the supernatural ones, at least, are really that, or if they're just trying to provoke negative reactions from humans....

[Brice]

Likely so...and ignorance is just commonplace.

[MonteGss]

I agree with R_of_G's post. King's strong suit is his character writing. His characters are realistic and if the usage of the word (or any other profanity) is an accurate representation of that character, it is cool with me.

[obscurejude]

It reminds me, in certain regards, to QT films and blaxploitation film generally. There remains a lot of cultural significance and character development associated with the "n" word.

[flaggwalkstheline]

yeah but the whole thing about detta is that shes NOT realistic shes the raging id of an educated african american who is involved in the civil rights movement, detta is everything about odetta that she fears in herself

[Whitey Appleseed]

I dunno...I wonder how they feel in the third world?

[obscurejude]

yeah but the whole thing about detta is that shes NOT realistic shes the raging id of an educated african american who is involved in the civil rights movement, detta is everything about odetta that she fears in herself

It was a general statement about the whole corpus of King and not specifically directed toward the Dark Tower series. His use of the N word isn't limited to Detta by any means.

[John Blaze]

I don't have an issue with him using in certain contexts. If it's an accurate representation of the way the character speaks, I think it's fine. I don't like the word, but it's nonetheless true that it's used a lot in the real world. It's not like King uses it casually in any way so I see nothing to be offended by. I'd be more offended if the dialogue didn't ring true. I'd think the publishers see it the same way.

+1

[IWasSentWest]

well spoken r of g

i remember being scolded for saying "nigga" one time on tdt.net (not in racist form)....i was thickheaded and younger, and thought since everybody that i'd known (black and white) never had a problem with it, than it was ok..but i've become wiser, and now i really try to keep that shit from creeping into my vocabulary

[LadyHitchhiker]

I never use the n word but I understand that some of king's characters would use it. There are lots of words I never use, but characters in my stories might use, because it is their character. Not all characters are beautiful. I have one character who is absolutely foul-mouthed and racist who ends up redeeming himself (yes, idealistic me) so I understand why bad words sometimes are necessary. They show the character who they are, what place they are at, and sometimes their evolution of character.

(Anyone ever read no traveller returns, and they'll understand)

[BillyxRansom]

For those who are unclear, I am talking strictly about King's writings.

[Jean]

For those who are unclear, I am talking strictly about King's writings.

Then I don't really see where the question comes from; any word can be used if dictated by the inner necessity of a given work of art or piece of literature. The only limitation can be inside the writer himself: his taste, the depth of his understanding his own characters, his mastery of the language he writes in, and the like. N-word, c-word, k-word should not be used without necessity in a piece of fiction; but, then again, no words, even "weather" or "telephone", should be used there without necessity.

[Brice]

I agree...all words should always be used as sparingly as that one.

[jayson]

... but, then again, no words, even "weather" or "telephone", should be used there without necessity.

Precisely. Every word should be authentic.

[Brice]

...but wouldn't that get a bit redundant, Jayson?

[jayson]

How so?

ETA: Nevermind just got it.

[Brice]