I can think of a more despicable word than 'nigger', I volunteered. {…} Like what? Like any word that ends in –ess: Negress. Jewess. Poetess. Actress. Adultress. Factchecktress. I'd rather be called 'nigger' than 'giantess' any day of the week.
In "The Sellout" by Paul Beatty, the author takes a provocative stance on the use of a highly offensive racial slur. The character asserts that there are other derogatory terms that are just as, if not more, despicable than 'nigger'. This highlights how language can carry different weights and implications based on context and societal perceptions.
The discussion flows to terms that end in '-ess', such as "Negress" and "Jewess," which the character deems less desirable. This reflects a critical perspective on how women are labeled in society, suggesting that some words can strip individuals of their identity and reduce them to mere categories. Beatty uses humor and irony to explore complex themes of race and gender in contemporary discourse.
