The very language by which we communicate can be used to reinforce prejudice, either through claims that common words are racially pejorative in origin, or through tales that demean others for misusing "our" language.

An African-American woman christens her baby with an embarrassing medical term after overhearing one of the nurses use the word.

The word 'picnic' comes from a shortening of 'pick a nigger.'*

The use of the word 'buck' as a slang term for 'dollar' derives from a reference to black male slaves.*

The password is "deer." Celebrity gives his black partner the clue "doe." Contestant responds by guessing "knob."*

Congresswoman calls for hurricanes to be named for African-Americans.

Mother names her child "Le-a," which she insists be pronounced "Ledasha."

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