03/12/2025
Before assessing the merits of this case, we note that it is undeniable that the word “ni**er used conventionally – namely as an insult – continues to be an oft-heard feature of the soundtrack of American racism at its most base and violent. Any serious discussion of the N-word and proper ways to respond to its various uses must include an appreciation of the persistent weaponization of ni**er by racists.” Randall Kennedy, NI**ER: THE STRANGE CAREER OF A TROUBLESOME WORD X (Pantheon Books rev. ed. 2022). The use of such a racial slur “flows from the fountain of purpose to injure.” Middleton v. State, 64 N.E.3d 895, 902. Whitaker-Blakey v. State (2024), Ind. App., 248 N.E. 3d 617 at 622
