PR-- Congratulations! You have been the "n" word for the day. You are correct; regardless of what you do or say, you have been attacked and called demeaning names and had your character defamed. Whatever you say has been misread. Whatever you do is belittled. Congratulations again! Your reaction has been typical of your new "n" word affliation. You have progressed from reasoned counterargument, to a cry for emotional understanding, finally to outright anger and defiance of all who attack you or belittle your unjust characterization and treatment. You understand how even seemingly benign statement hurt when thrown at you over and over. Now multiply that mistreatment by several centuries and several million people and you would understand why no one ever wants to be the"n" word. As an "n" worder myself, I have to struggle daily with the tauntsand jeers, the misapprehension and belittlement of many around me. I too juggle the 3 ways to deal with such unfair oppression. Congratulations on being an "n" worder for only a day. I grieve that you had to step in my shoes for even a day. But maybe now that you have, you can try to help others understand why we "n" worder of all colors, ethnicities and creeds want so desperately that others call use funny and insulting names (even if they meant no ill will directly in it.) your fellow "n" worder-- lb