‘N Word Should Be Odious From Anyone’

Halford H. Fairchild’s indictment (“N Word Should Be Odious From Anyone,” Op-Ed Page, Sept. 16), of the use of the N word is certainly accurate. That word has no place in any situation, culture notwithstanding.

I do differ in opinion in the second area he chose to touch upon. I am not a psychologist and, obviously, do not have the educational or institutional background of Fairchild. But I cannot totally agree with what appears to me to be an appeal for a new “African-Americanism.” Black was, is, and always will be beautiful. But an African I am not. I am of African descent; more than some, less than others. My point being that I can no more be an African than I can change the color of my skin--nor would I want to.

Since it is quite possible that some of my ancestors were brought here before most of the white Europeans arrived, it would make my blood more a part of this land than many. I am a black-American, with a diverse legacy of thought, intellect and hard work behind me. Many of us are proud of that fact.

RODNEY K. BOSWELL

Los Angeles