Tarantino and the N word

On Christmas Day, Quentin Tarantino will release his new film Django Unchained in cinemas and to be honest, I cannot wait. Since Inglorious Basterds in 2009, fans all over the world have been waiting impatiently for his next release (especially myself) and from what I can tell from the trailers, it looks epic. In typical Tarantino style, the films takes a a twisted look on the slave trade in America and it's centred around his favourite theme, revenge. It looks bloody, it looks contentious yet as always it always contains that dark humour that has made Tarantino such a unique filmmaker.

However, this blog post is an extended eulogy of Tarantino (even though I would gladly do that) but more about a specific feature in his work. One of his most controversial techniques is the dialogue he uses but especially a heavy use of the N word which is often seen in a derogative manner (Pulp Fiction and the character Jules is a prime example). With choosing a topic about slave trade, it seems inevitable that this word will be applied throughout the film. Yet he's received some criticism over this, especially amongst the black community who feel it is inappropriate for a white man to use terms so candidly.

A famous example of this is director Spike Lee who said "I'm not against the word... and I use it, but Quentin is infatuated with the word. What does he want? To be made an honorary black man?". It is understandable that it to criticise a white man using such a word yet this whole situation needs to be put into context. 

What's great about Tarantino's dialogue is that it is truly realistic to whatever situation he is depicting. A minority of black people still use this word today (listen to most rap music and you will see a pattern). He is being true to life with his depiction yet I can understand the objections as this is a term that is still highly offensive and sensitive. 

So I think it's inevitable that someone is going to bring up the debate again over this issue yet hopefully people will realise that Tarantino is not meaning to offend but be realistic and more importantly, entertain. And to anyone who calls him a racist, is truly ignorant.

Here's a link to the trailer of his new film Django Unchained.