Richard Pryor's daughter studies the N-word — a word he used, then disavowed

Historian Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor has authored a new book, "Something We Said," which delves into the complex history and usage of the N-word. The book examines the racial slur through a scholarly lens, tracing its evolution and impact. Pryor's research into the word spanned several years, during which she kept a significant personal connection to the subject private: her father was the iconic comedian Richard Pryor, a performer known for his frequent and often provocative use of the word in his routines.

Richard Pryor's career, particularly his stand-up comedy, was marked by a candid and often controversial engagement with race and societal norms. He employed the N-word extensively in his performances, reflecting and challenging the language and attitudes of his time. However, as his career progressed and his understanding evolved, Pryor later disavowed the word's use, recognizing its deeply offensive nature and the harm it perpetuated. This personal journey from profuse usage to explicit renunciation forms a crucial backdrop to his daughter's academic exploration.

Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor's decision to research this sensitive topic, while keeping her familial link to Richard Pryor undisclosed during the initial stages of her work, highlights the intensely personal and academic dimensions of her study. "Something We Said" aims to provide a comprehensive historical account of the N-word, moving beyond its immediate shock value to explore its broader cultural and social implications. The book's release brings to light the intersection of a significant historical figure's legacy with a critical examination of one of America's most charged racial epithets.