Deep Dive: The N Word (2006)
Film Lens

The N Word examines the history of the racial slur from its origin to modern times. It features contributions from various celebrities, including Bryant Gumbel, Richard Pryor, Quincy Jones, Chris Rock, and Morris Chestnut, who share their personal experiences and perspectives on the word. The film presents a range of opinions, with some individuals expressing comfort in its use while others emphasize the pain and controversy it generates.
Through poetry, music, and commentary, the documentary addresses the evolving significance of the word in contemporary society. It prompts viewers to consider the impact of the slur and the differing attitudes towards it, reflecting the complexities of language and communication in the context of African American history and culture.
Why Watch
- •Meet Bryant Gumbel and Chris Rock discussing the N word.
- •Find out how language shapes cultural identity.
- •See personal stories from Richard Pryor and Quincy Jones.
Did You Know
•The documentary features commentary from five notable celebrities.
•It has a runtime of 86 minutes.
•The film was directed by Todd Williams in 2006.
•It includes perspectives on the N word from both rappers and comedians.
Perfect For
African American historyLanguage and communicationCultural documentaries