When my Aunt Dropped the N-Bomb − September, 1972
I must have been about six or seven. My favorite aunt was over. She was a talkative woman. I was listening attentively to whatever story she was telling. But then she dropped the n-bomb (translated for the uninitiated – used the word “nigger”). I was astonished. I don’t remember how, but I knew that this was a very bad word. I was upset. An adult who was a role model for me was using a word I disliked very much.
I must have known that there was something special about this word; that it wasn’t like other bad words. I doubt it’s the only “bad” word she ever said in front of me, but I don’t ever remember making a fuss about those words. Later, after she’d left, I talked to my mom about it. I told her I didn’t like that word and I didn’t want my aunt using it around me. I think my mom promised that my aunt wouldn’t use it again. Looking back, though, I can just imagine her saying it.
I haven’t seen her since 1991, when she had a big falling out with my part of the family, but that’s another story.
I must have known that there was something special about this word; that it wasn’t like other bad words. I doubt it’s the only “bad” word she ever said in front of me, but I don’t ever remember making a fuss about those words. Later, after she’d left, I talked to my mom about it. I told her I didn’t like that word and I didn’t want my aunt using it around me. I think my mom promised that my aunt wouldn’t use it again. Looking back, though, I can just imagine her saying it.
I haven’t seen her since 1991, when she had a big falling out with my part of the family, but that’s another story.
