Sir, – While I have never been a supporter of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, and while I do not think it likely I will be voting for his party any time soon, I am struck by the rush to judgement of some commentators over his use of a term for black people which he was motivated to employ as a result of watching a Quentin Tarantino movie.
Anyone with any experience of the cinema in recent years will realise that the above named director and screenwriter, particularly through the words placed in the dialogue of one of his most used actors, Samuel L Jackson, has effectively made the use of that term acceptable again. Language is a living thing.
If it is okay for Tarantino and Jackson, I do not see why it cannot be good enough for Adams.
– Yours, etc,
SEAMUS McKENNA
Windy Arbour,
Dublin 14. Sir – In the wake of Gerry Adams’ reference to the “N” word, can we presume that he will deny his own ability to shoot himself in the foot?
– Yours, etc,
BRIAN WALLACE
Foxrock,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – Let’s just stick with a Quentin Tarantino theme and describe Mr Adams and those who defend him after his latest gaffe as inglourious basterds.
– Yours, etc,
PAUL LAUGHLIN
Derry.