The Nigger in You
Challenging Dysfunctional Language, Engaging Leadership Moments
1st Edition
Published on 9. May 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-57922-986-3 (ISBN)
Description
Inspiration for the award-winning film How Does It Feel to be a Problem? (2021)
A deeply poignant tapestry of personal stories, scholarship, and poetry, this book asks us to embrace our identity as leaders by engaging those who perpetrate dysfunctional language or behavior, thereby contributing to a world in which differences are respected and validated.
Dr. Wiley borrows the agency of nigger, arguably the quintessential, most universally known term of disparagement of those negatively considered the Other, to re-frame the word as no longer just a racial term but one that symbolizes many of the ways we disrespect or bully one another, are inconsiderate of one another, prejudge one another, and internalize our demonization. He defines the word in a way that demonstrates its equivalence to other dysfunctional language (retard, bitch, fag, trailer trash, etc.) that suggests that those so targeted are unworthy of consideration in our society. By creating a conversation around such language, Dr. Wiley challenges us to recognize that, when we give in to our prejudices and stereotypes, the "nigger in you" is what we are apt to see when we encounter those different from ourselves.
A timeless, invaluable text for scholars, students, and higher education professionals, this book stretches beyond the world of academia to earn a well-deserved place on every leader's bookshelf. Accompanying online material includes photographs of Dr. Wiley keynoting the October 2014 Vermont National Guard's "Leadership Day" and keynoting ILAM May 2018 Conference in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as a YouTube video capturing Dr. Wiley revealing the rationale behind the title of his book The NIGGER in You: Challenging Dysfunctional Leadership, Engaging Leadership Moments.
A deeply poignant tapestry of personal stories, scholarship, and poetry, this book asks us to embrace our identity as leaders by engaging those who perpetrate dysfunctional language or behavior, thereby contributing to a world in which differences are respected and validated.
Dr. Wiley borrows the agency of nigger, arguably the quintessential, most universally known term of disparagement of those negatively considered the Other, to re-frame the word as no longer just a racial term but one that symbolizes many of the ways we disrespect or bully one another, are inconsiderate of one another, prejudge one another, and internalize our demonization. He defines the word in a way that demonstrates its equivalence to other dysfunctional language (retard, bitch, fag, trailer trash, etc.) that suggests that those so targeted are unworthy of consideration in our society. By creating a conversation around such language, Dr. Wiley challenges us to recognize that, when we give in to our prejudices and stereotypes, the "nigger in you" is what we are apt to see when we encounter those different from ourselves.
A timeless, invaluable text for scholars, students, and higher education professionals, this book stretches beyond the world of academia to earn a well-deserved place on every leader's bookshelf. Accompanying online material includes photographs of Dr. Wiley keynoting the October 2014 Vermont National Guard's "Leadership Day" and keynoting ILAM May 2018 Conference in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as a YouTube video capturing Dr. Wiley revealing the rationale behind the title of his book The NIGGER in You: Challenging Dysfunctional Leadership, Engaging Leadership Moments.
Reviews / Votes
"Employing arguably the most polarizing epithet in American history, nigger, Dr. J. W. Wiley grabs the attention of those who understand the castigation of racism, but who may not grasp the multiple ways that otherness beyond race is treated in contemporary American culture. The Nigger in You is a spellbinding book that will challenge both the newcomer to diversity studies as well as the veteran of social justice."Thomas Keith, Professor, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, and Filmmaker ("Generation M: Misogyny in Media & Culture" and "The Bro Code")
"This book is inspiring, challenging, informative and a timeless resource for educators, parents and community leaders. It's the real deal. You'll learn something every time you read it."
Eddie Moore, Jr., Founder/Director, The White Privilege Conference
"Whether in a classroom, campus or community setting, Dr. J. W. Wiley always enlarges the conversations we need to be having about diversity, social justice and leadership. He does so compellingly with The Nigger in You. As an educator and community activist, I know I will turn to his book as a trusted friend and guide, and recommend you read it. It is right on time."
Martha Swan, Executive Director, John Brown Lives!
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United States
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Inc
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate and Professional Practice & Development
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
336 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-57922-986-3 (9781579229863)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
07/2023
1st Edition
Routledge
€36.99
Available for download
E-Book
07/2023
1st Edition
Routledge
€36.99
Available for download
Book
06/2013
1st Edition
Stylus Publishing
€193.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Person
J. W. Wiley currently has a joint appointment as the Director for the Center for Diversity at State University of New York - Plattsburgh and a lecturer in Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies. Previously Dr. Wiley served as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, founder/director of the Claremont Graduate University (CGU) Diversity Office, Director of the CGU Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Scholars Program; founder/director of the CGU Minority Mentor Program; CGU's Special Assistant for Diversity; and Director of Recruitment. In 1996 Dr. Wiley was co-author/co-coordinator of the 8th Annual National Black Graduate Student Conference hosted by Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Wiley lectures/keynotes and presents to a colleges/universities and business clientele through his company, Xamining Diversity. His clients include Pfizer Pharmaceuticals; University of California San Francisco Medical Center; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; Princeton's Jr. Scholars Institute; Norwich University in Vermont; New York State Nursing Association; PACE University of New York City; Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital; Various school districts, Homeland Security; Bombardier Corp; and Plattsburgh New York Mayor's Office/City Council, and Police Department. Dr. Wiley has a diversity & social justice blog titled: Wiley Wandering. He consulted, co-wrote and co-directed a documentary titled: "Dissed-Respect: The Impact of Bullying." In December 2009 Dr. Wiley received the inaugural John Brown Coming Home Award for "raising consciousness and promoting civility in the North Country of New York." In 2011 he was chosen by NY State Archives Trust to address the impact of the "I Have a Dream" speech for the "Power of Words" series/show on NPR.
Content
Acknowledgments Preface Introduction. The Nigger in You 1. Of Diversity, Social Justice, and Multiple Identities 2. Of So-Called Retards and Leadership Moments 3. Of Same Sex, Straight, and Gay 4. Of Gender, Bitches, Sissies, Guys, and Girls 5. Of Being Cool, Chris Rock, and Class Cluelessness 6. Of Races Where No One Wins 7. Of Privilege, Political Posturing, and Leadership Moments 8. Of Bullying, Hypocrisy, Respect, and Consideration 9. Of Misplaced Hate and Self-Definition References About the Author Index