Richard Pryor and the Complex Legacy of a Controversial Word

Richard Pryor, the renowned comedian, performed at the Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl on September 19, 1977. His daughter, historian Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, has dedicated much of her career to studying the N-word throughout historical periods, including slavery, Jim Crow, the civil rights movement, and hip-hop. She has personally grappled with the word’s impact, partly due to her father’s central role in using it within American comedy during the 1970s.

Elizabeth describes her relationship with the N-word as ‘super complicated’, especially as someone born to a white mother and a Black father. She recalls a moment in her teaching career when a white student quoted Blazing Saddles, a film co-written by her father, using the word. In that instance, Elizabeth felt unprepared, questioning how racism studied in academia manifests in real-time and how to address it effectively.

Elizabeth Pryor’s book, Something We Said: Richard Pryor, A Notorious Word, and Me, blends personal memoir with an examination of the contentious word. Notably, later in his career, Richard Pryor decided to stop using the word after a transformative trip to Kenya. Elizabeth admires his choice, noting that he did not demand others follow suit. He recognized the word’s place within Black culture but also acknowledged an artist’s struggle to control its evolving significance.

Her Father’s Use of the N-word

Elizabeth reflects on her father’s complex use of the N-word. A key conversation from her childhood involved her father advising her never to let anyone call her by that word, despite his and his friends’ frequent use of it. He utilized the word subversively, as a form of protest rooted in Black cultural traditions. By integrating it into his comedy, Richard Pryor challenged white racism by demonstrating resilience.

Discussing the N-word with Students

Elizabeth acknowledges the difficulty of teaching about the N-word. She emphasizes that such discussions transcend free speech debates, urging students to consider how their interactions bring diverse individuals together. The complex dynamics at the table become central, influencing interpersonal and cultural interactions.

Meeting Her Father

Recalling her first meeting with her father at six years old, Elizabeth shares her experience in Newark, New Jersey. Her initial impression of her father, whom she describes as warm and handsome, left a lasting impact. Seeing her reflection in his face immediately bonded them.

Desiring Attention

During her youth, Elizabeth sought her father’s attention by engaging in theater and improv, hoping to display her intelligence and creativity. She recalls her intellectual conversations with him during her college years. He supported her Black consciousness journey, providing significant cultural resources such as a Malcolm X documentary and The Last Poets’ song.

Richard Pryor’s Childhood

Richard Pryor grew up in a challenging environment, with nontraditional family dynamics. He shared a story with his daughter about earning laughs at five years old by slipping in dog poop. This moment symbolized his early realization of humor as a pathway to attention and love.