Essay 667

Word up with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The Nick Minucci hate-crime trial in New York continues to seek validation for using the N-Word (see Essay 663). The latest expert to testify on the topic was none other than Harvard professor Randall Kennedy, author of “Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word.” Randall testified, “The word is used in a lot of different ways. … Sometimes it’s a racial slur. Sometimes it’s used as a term of endearment.” Let’s hope closing arguments don’t start with addressing the jury as, “My niggaz…”

• A new study by Tulane University and the University of California, Berkeley, shows about 25 percent of the construction workers rebuilding New Orleans are illegal immigrants. The study also revealed that about 45 percent of the overall workers are Hispanic. These folks are also receiving lower wages and fewer benefits. “It’s inconsistent with American values, to say, ‘You’re here working six days a week, nine and a half hours a day, and you don’t have any rights,’” said one study professor. The Minuteman Project would probably have a different perspective on things.

• Wendy’s is switching to healthier cooking oil for its products. “The trend is for a bit healthier,” said Wendy’s senior vice president for research and development. “We wanted to look at our products and improve our nutritional profile.” Right, that would account for the current corny spots touting the fast feeder’s Frosty dessert.