# Netflix exec fired for "using" N-word **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [June 24, 2018, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664 "2018-06-24T15:19:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Stonebow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2018, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/81 "2018-06-26T21:12:27Z")
I am going to suggest that you are getting caught up on his not mentioning the earlier offense as part of the cause for his firing, rather than a data point in the overall chronology. I don’t think anyone sincerely believes that’s why he got fired, or was a contributing cause. I did ask you to look at it through the lens of being a content creator or entertainment professional who also happens to be a PoC. I will say that as a PoC in a completely unrelated field, I would be more likely to seek employment or partner with Netflix as a result of this action. I don’t agree with your characterization at not being able to use the N-word as ‘walking on racial eggshells.’ ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/82 "2018-06-27T05:27:54Z")
> [@puddleglum](#): > > This is especially true for Netflix since they are making movies and TV shows and letting potential employees know they can be fired for using certain words regardless of context is not going to attract creative types. One of the shows they make is\* Dear White People\*. You should watch it sometime. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/83 "2018-06-27T05:31:24Z")
Count me in as a PoC who would be _more_ likely to want a Netflix job because of this (and has already given them my money _and let them know that’s why I did_). ---
**Author:** ![Isamu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7c8e57/32.png) [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/84 "2018-06-27T05:47:27Z")
I thought for sure the thread-title would be "Netflix exec fired for chillin’ with staff. Disappointed. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/85 "2018-06-27T09:03:45Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Count me in as a PoC who would be _more_ likely to want a Netflix job because of this (and has already given them my money _and let them know that’s why I did_). Even though it peddles material in which a white person uses the offending word? ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/86 "2018-06-27T11:09:06Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > Even though it peddles material in which a white person uses the offending word? :rolleyes: Gosh, how _ever_ will I be able to tell between art and true workplace insensitivity? ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/87 "2018-06-27T11:27:53Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > :rolleyes: Gosh, how _ever_ will I be able to tell between art and true workplace insensitivity? that isn’t a rolleyes question…by what criteria are you be able to tell? ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/88 "2018-06-27T11:43:14Z")
> [@Stonebow](#): > > I am going to suggest that you are getting caught up on his not mentioning the earlier offense as part of the cause for his firing, rather than a data point in the overall chronology. I don’t think anyone sincerely believes that’s why he got fired, or was a contributing cause. The memo previously linked and quoted appears to be saying that it was a contributing factor that he didn’t say anything at a meeting three months later. > [@](#): > > I did ask you to look at it through the lens of being a content creator or entertainment professional who also happens to be a PoC. If I were a PoC, I might be more likely to work there - the power to get someone fired and thereby assert myself over them is attractive on some level. The problem that might arise is when it comes back to bite me in the ass even though I was a PoC - if I got caught staring at someone for more than five seconds, or violating some equally arbitrary and stupidly well-meaning policy. If my status as a PoC shields me from the worst effects of such policies, or if I were capable of assimilating so extreme a set of views, maybe that would be different. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/89 "2018-06-27T11:50:43Z")
To be clear, I would be completely on board with an exec being fired for using the word “nigger”, even once. But from all the accounts so far, it doesn’t sound like that’s what happened. It sounds like he used the word exactly zero times, but mentioned it on two occasions. Further, it sounds like (though I could be mistaken on this point) that he mentioned it in the context of saying that it should not be used. And if that’s the case, then his firing can’t be described as anything other than idiotic. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/90 "2018-06-27T13:48:46Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > that isn’t a rolleyes question…by what criteria are you be able to tell? Generally, by whether it’s happening on a scripted show or, you know, real life. This is totally a :rolleyes: question, as well. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/91 "2018-06-27T13:55:24Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > To be clear, I would be completely on board with an exec being fired for using the word “nigger”, even once. But from all the accounts so far, it doesn’t sound like that’s what happened. It sounds like he used the word exactly zero times, but mentioned it on two occasions. Further, it sounds like (though I could be mistaken on this point) that he mentioned it in the context of saying that it should not be used. And if that’s the case, then his firing can’t be described as anything other than idiotic. He mentioned it in the context of saying it shouldn’t be used, _was told that that was not cool_, and then did the very same thing again a couple days later. If he’d been fired for the first offense, I could understand it being considered a little idiotic. But he was fired when the \*second \*incident came to light. And probably for being seen to be covering up the second incident months later. ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/92 "2018-06-27T14:11:14Z")
This reminds me of Kendrick Lamar getting upset at a white fan for saying the N-word in a song he wrote (M.A.D.D City) and invited her to rap on stage. Uh, hey, if you don’t like it that much, don’t put it in your songs, and especially don’t encourage white people to recite it. ---
**Author:** ![Stonebow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/93 "2018-06-27T14:31:15Z")
> [@Ashtura](#): > > This reminds me of Kendrick Lamar getting upset at a white fan for saying the N-word in a song he wrote (M.A.D.D City) and invited her to rap on stage. To the extent that context matters, true. But that’s about it. I am both amused and saddened at the view that PoC would see this policy as being their chance to stick it to white folks. Not because it won’t be true in some non-zero percentage of cases, but that it assumes that the absence of such a policy is ‘neutral’ or ‘fair,’ when it clearly advantages majority racial/ethic/ gender identity groups. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/94 "2018-06-27T15:07:42Z")
> [@Stonebow](#): > > I am both amused and saddened at the view that PoC would see this policy as being their chance to stick it to white folks. Not because it won’t be true in some non-zero percentage of cases, but that it assumes that the absence of such a policy is ‘neutral’ or ‘fair,’ when it clearly advantages majority racial/ethic/ gender identity groups. I am too but that is because I want to use the word less than the average (i.e. mean) PoC, since there are a non-zero number of PoCs that do use the term and I wish that no one used the term. Not having a policy on it does not advantage me because I don’t want to use the term and prefer to not be exposed to it. ---
**Author:** ![puddleglum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puddleglum/32/137_2.png) [@puddleglum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puddleglum)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/95 "2018-06-27T15:58:30Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Generally, by whether it’s happening on a scripted show or, you know, real life. This is totally a :rolleyes: question, as well. Why does it matter if its on a scripted show? If the word is always offensive why do we give a pass to those who purposely use offensive language in scripts? I know the show is called “Dear White People” but I doubt Netflix has a way to ensure no black people watch that show and get offended. Using the word in that show has the potential to offend thousands of people while at worst the executive only offended those in the room. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/96 "2018-06-27T16:54:34Z")
> [@puddleglum](#): > > Why does it matter if its on a scripted show? If the word is always offensive why do we give a pass to those who purposely use offensive language in scripts? The same reason we give a pass to depictions of lots of bad things in films. Antisemitism, rape, sexism - these all can be depicted because - get this - they’re works of art. Fiction. Not. Real. Granted, I’m not really down with non-Black _scriptwriters_ making free with that word - so, not a Tarantino fan, for instance. > [@](#): > > I know the show is called “Dear White People” but I doubt Netflix has a way to ensure no black people watch that show and get offended. Errm, I think you need to research the show a bit… > [@](#): > > Using the word in that show has the potential to offend thousands of people while at worst the executive only offended those in the room. Context matters. Now, I know that \*seems \*like it is the same argument made by the “he was describing the word, not using it” crowd, but it’s not - the difference between fictional (or documentary) artistic use, and professional meeting use, is not the same as the use/describe distinction. I can use the phrase “The N word” in a business conversation, and everyone will know what I mean - there is _no need_ to use the word itself. Whereas if a racist (or an urban Black) in a show says “N-word” rather than “nigger”, that not only breaks immersion, it’s just plain silly. There’s a clear difference. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/97 "2018-06-27T16:58:04Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Generally, by whether it’s happening on a scripted show or, you know, real life. This is totally a :rolleyes: question, as well. Scripted? what difference does that make? Surely making it a premeditated action is worse? Would it be wrong for a white writer to put that word in the mouth of a white character? What if a white person were talking about the fact that a white writer put the word in the mouth of a white character? Could they use the word then? Could they use it when arguing against it? for it? Of course if you are happy to say that a white person is able to use that word and it always depends on context then we I don’t think we actually disagree. If not, you’ve got quite a lot of clarifying to do. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/98 "2018-06-27T17:00:04Z")
> [@](#): > > Quoth **MrDibble** : > > He mentioned it in the context of saying it shouldn’t be used, was told that that was not cool, and then did the very same thing again a couple days later. Right, he was fired for violating policy. But the policy he violated was stupid. And I’d still like to see how that policy is written. ---
**Author:** ![Stonebow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/99 "2018-06-27T17:11:04Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Right, he was fired for violating policy. But the policy he violated was stupid. And I’d still like to see how that policy is written. If there was a blanket ‘no profanity rule’ at Netflix meetings, and he said ‘asshole’ when referring to someone not in the organization, and then when called to HR, said he thought the rule against saying ‘asshole’ was a stupid rule and got canned when his boss found out about it, how would you feel about about that decision? ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664/100 "2018-06-27T17:18:10Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Granted, I’m not really down with non-Black _scriptwriters_ making free with that word - so, not a Tarantino fan, for instance. explain why? art is art is it not? If there is a valid reason for making people speak that way why on earth would the colour of the writer matter? > [@](#): > > Context matters. Now, I know that \*seems \*like it is the same argument made by the “he was describing the word, not using it” crowd, but it’s not - the difference between fictional (or documentary) artistic use, and professional meeting use, is not the same as the use/describe distinction. I don’t understand your distinctions here at all, either context matters or it doesn’t. > [@](#): > > I can use the phrase “The N word” in a business conversation, and everyone will know what I mean - there is _no need_ to use the word itself. Whereas if a racist (or an urban Black) in a show says “N-word” rather than “nigger”, that not only breaks immersion, it’s just plain silly. There’s a clear difference. but not if it is written by a white scriptwriter? it is always bad then is it? it seems to me like you want to have your cake and eat it. Context matters but only the context you think relevant and the persons skin colour seems to matter most of all. You can feel free to argue that way but it doesn’t make sense to me and your justifications seem muddled and inconsistent. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-exec-fired-for-using-n-word/816664.md?page=6)