Is this the most ridiculous campus controversy yet?
A professor has been suspended for using a Chinese word that sounds like the n-word.
Want to read spiked ad-free? Become a spiked supporter.
If you thought America’s debate on race and racism couldn’t get any more ridiculous, get this: a professor at the University of Southern California (USC) has been suspended because he used a Chinese word in class which sounds like, but is definitely not, a racial slur.
There is nothing for the university to investigate: Greg Patton should be restored to his teaching position immediately. If anything, the offended students should apologize to *him* for causing the inconvenience.https://t.co/RKNj1HsPXR
— reason (@reason) September 4, 2020
In a discussion about public speaking, Greg Patton, professor of clinical business communication, noted how people often use filler words such as ‘um’ and ‘er’ when giving speeches. He referenced the Chinese filler word, ‘nega’, as an example from another language.
Apparently, ‘nega’ was too close to the n-word for some students, who reported Patton to the university’s administration. As a result, he has been temporarily replaced on his course.
USC told Campus Reform that it is ‘committed to building a culture of respect and dignity where all members of our community can feel safe, supported, and can thrive’. Quite what that has to do with stopping professors using entirely innocent words is not immediately clear.
Sensitivities have become so heightened on campuses that it seems that even saying words that sound like offensive words is enough to get you silenced. Lord knows how these students will deal with the real world.
Picture by: YouTube.
Help us hit our 1% target
spiked is funded by you. It’s your generosity that keeps us going and growing.
Only 0.1% of our regular readers currently donate to spiked. If you are one of the 99.9% who appreciates what we do, but hasn’t given just yet, please consider making a donation today.
If just 1% of our loyal readers donated regularly, it would be transformative for us, allowing us to vastly expand our team and coverage.
Plus, if you donate £5 a month or £50 a year, you can join and enjoy:
–Ad-free reading
–Exclusive bonus content
–Regular events
–Access to our comments section
The most impactful way to support spiked’s journalism is by registering as a supporter and making a monthly contribution. Thank you.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Only spiked supporters and patrons, who donate regularly to us, can comment on our articles.