‘The Power of the N-Word in Tarantino’s Films: Black Intolerance and/or White Audacity?’

Abstract

Quentin Tarantino is a controversial figure, whose trademark use of offensive language and explicit violence has, in particular, been subject to censure. A source of consternation for his detractors is the constant use of the N-word. In this article, I offer a detailed examination of the use of the N-word by white people in a broad range of discursive contexts. I begin with a quantitative analysis in the eight films directed by Tarantino -Reservoir Dogs (1992), Pulp Fiction (1994), Jackie Brown (1997), Four Rooms (1995), Kill Bill (vol. I & II) (2003 & 2004), Death Proof (2007), Inglorious Basterds (2009), and Django Unchained (2013)-followed by choice phrases extracted from those films in which the presence of the N-word is palpable.