Author Walter Mosley Quits 'Star Trek: Discovery' After Using N-Word in Writers Room

[Graham2001]

I am linking to this article because Walter Mosely's Op-Ed is behind a paywall.

Author Walter Mosley penned an op-ed for The New York Times, published on Friday, in which he revealed that he quit his job as a writer on a television series after he was "chastised" by human resources for using the N-word on the job.

Although Mosley, who is black, did not reveal which show he departed, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that it was CBS All Access' Star Trek: Discovery. That series, renewed in February for its third season with its third showrunner, has experienced serious issues of abusive language in its writers room in the past.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/l...k-discovery-using-n-word-writers-room-1237489


If the above article is correct he was using the 'N-Word' to describe himself not anyone else in the room nor was he using it in a way intended to demean anyone.


But of course someone was 'Offended' and demanded an adult (Human Resources) take the 'nasty thing' away.

 

[Checkmite]

In before someone white tries to somehow use this incident as proof that it's not racist for white people to use the n-word and/or wrong to criticize them for doing so.

 

[wasapi]

I have always admired Mosely. Was the show so unfamiliar with who he is, and who he represents in his writings?

 

[mgidm86]

In before someone white tries to somehow use this incident as proof that it's not racist for white people to use the n-word and/or wrong to criticize them for doing so.

Ya I'm sure you beat a dozen posters to the punch.

I clicked this thread but now that I know the story it doesn't interest me.

 

[johnny karate]

But of course someone was 'Offended' and demanded an adult (Human Resources) take the 'nasty thing' away.

Not only are you taking one side of the story at face value, but you’re greatly exaggerating what was claimed to have happened.

And I’m sure that like most people who complain about other people complaining, the irony of your melodramatic overreaction is lost on you.

 

[angrysoba]

According to the story, as reported in the link:

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that season three showrunners Alex Kurtzman — who sources say personally recruited Mosley to the Discovery room — and Michelle Paradise were informed of the complaint via human resources but were not present for the incident in which Mosley allegedly used the N-word multiple times. Sources note that HR called Mosley to inform the acclaimed writer and novelist that typical use of that word was a fireable offense but there was to be no course of action taken against him. Instead, HR informed Mosley that a writer in the room was uncomfortable with it and effectively wanted to ensure he was aware of the studio's policy.

"Earlier this year, I had just finished with the Snowfall writers’ room for the season when I took a similar job on a different show at a different network. I’d been in the new room for a few weeks when I got the call from human resources. A pleasant-sounding young man said, 'Mr. Mosley, it has been reported that you used the n-word in the writers’ room,'" Mosley wrote in the Times. "I replied, 'I am the N-word in the writers’ room.'"

It sounds like it wasn't being treated as a big deal. HR only wanted to say that the word is not usually used except as part of the job, such as with a script, and that they had only called him to let him know the policy.

So he believed he had special license to use the word, and being told he doesn't is for him unacceptable.

I am pretty sure there are all kinds of rules in most workplaces about what constitutes acceptable language and what doesn't. The writer should realize that just because he is okay with the word, it doesn't mean everyone else has to be.

 

[cullennz]

Bloke uses word repeatedly in a workplace that is deemed unacceptable in any environment other than certain social environments and music lyrics, other staff say it isn't on, they get pushed/decide to leave.

Is it a slow news day in the US?

 

[Graham2001]

In before someone white tries to somehow use this incident as proof that it's not racist for white people to use the n-word and/or wrong to criticize them for doing so.

Huh? You do realize that Walter Mosely is an African-American author...

 

[rockinkt]

In before someone white tries to somehow use this incident as proof that it's not racist for white people to use the n-word and/or wrong to criticize them for doing so.

Are you saying that it is racist for a non-black person to use the "N" word at all times and in all contexts?

 

[Checkmite]

Huh? You do realize that Walter Mosely is an African-American author...

Indeed, the OP's quote even mentioned it.

Are you saying that it is racist for a non-black person to use the "N" word at all times and in all contexts?

lol

 

[rockinkt]

lol

LOL!

Mine's capitalized - does that mean I win?

 

[uke2se]

Are you saying that it is racist for a non-black person to use the "N" word at all times and in all contexts?

In all but a very few contexts, specifically playing a racist on film or tv or in a play, or reading aloud a text quoting a racist.

In pretty much all other contexts, it's pretty racist.

 

[Elagabalus]

Indeed, the OP's quote even mentioned it.



lol

Do you know what they used to call Brazil Nuts back in the day?

 

[bluesjnr]

Seems like some sort of black privilege is at the root of this.

 

[rockinkt]

In all but a very few contexts, specifically playing a racist on film or tv or in a play, or reading aloud a text quoting a racist.

In pretty much all other contexts, it's pretty racist.

I think we are in agreement about context being the deciding factor.

 

[Darat]

In all but a very few contexts, specifically playing a racist on film or tv or in a play, or reading aloud a text quoting a racist.



In pretty much all other contexts, it's pretty racist.

And whether there is any logic or reason to it some words some people don't like. Look at this place with its auto censor, that's here because the originator of this forum didn't like certain words to be splashed all over the forum. His house, his rules. At work you aren't at your house so you do have to follow the consensus, the rules in the workplace, and if you don't there are consequences. In this case it seems he simply wasn't happy having to follow the same rules as everyone else so he left. Don't see the big deal myself.

 

[uke2se]

And whether there is any logic or reason to it some words some people don't like. Look at this place with its auto censor, that's here because the originator of this forum didn't like certain words to be splashed all over the forum. His house, his rules. At work you aren't at your house so you do have to follow the consensus, the rules in the workplace, and if you don't there are consequences. In this case it seems he simply wasn't happy having to follow the same rules as everyone else so he left. Don't see the big deal myself.

I think this is a bit complicated. It's a question of ownership of words. The n-word is a word where I don't think it's use should be dictated by people who haven't been targeted by it.

That said, I also think one should be mindful of the comfort level of people around one's self. If you are saying things that make people uncomfortable, maybe you should at least take into consideration not to say those things.

Maybe they should have all sat down and talked about this instead of taking it to the media.

 

[smartcooky]

I am pretty sure there are all kinds of rules in most workplaces about what constitutes acceptable language and what doesn't. The writer should realize that just because he is okay with the word, it doesn't mean everyone else has to be.

Err Mosely is black, and he used the word to describe himself - he has the absolute right to use a pejorative to describe himself if he so chooses and no-one else has any right to be offended by that.

We've had this discussion before. I am 100% deaf in one ear. I hate the use of PC descriptions such as "hard of hearing" or "aurally disadvantaged". When people use such terms in reference to me, they usually get a ******* earful (if I hear them).

 

[rockinkt]

And whether there is any logic or reason to it some words some people don't like. Look at this place with its auto censor, that's here because the originator of this forum didn't like certain words to be splashed all over the forum. His house, his rules. At work you aren't at your house so you do have to follow the consensus, the rules in the workplace, and if you don't there are consequences. In this case it seems he simply wasn't happy having to follow the same rules as everyone else so he left. Don't see the big deal myself.

I don't like the word "Hello". Reminds me of the other word that has no "o" on the end and upsets my religious sensibilities. You are working in a company that respects my religious beliefs and you must stop using it. Period.
BTW - my friend does not like the word "but" because that is the last word her grandfather said before he died. Not only that - but as a religious person that word reminds me of the other word that has another "t" on the end and that is offensive because it reminds me of a sexual innuendo that was once used in my presence.
Thank goodness my workplace is so progressive and protects everyone's most sensitive sensibilities!

Oh yes - and before I forget - your name is offensive. It it reminiscent of the the old Dudley Do-right cartoons I used to watch when I was a kid. The character Snidely Whiplash used to exclaim "Drat!" when he was defeated and hearing that brings back memories of my cat that died when the TV fell on him. Dreadful!

 

[Darat]

I think this is a bit complicated. It's a question of ownership of words. The n-word is a word where I don't think it's use should be dictated by people who haven't been targeted by it.



That said, I also think one should be mindful of the comfort level of people around one's self. If you are saying things that make people uncomfortable, maybe you should at least take into consideration not to say those things.



Maybe they should have all sat down and talked about this instead of taking it to the media.

Talked about what? He was in breach of the rules, there was nothing to talk about, all the issue was is whether he was going to accept the work rules at the company he was working at.

I've done a lot of consultation work over the decades and that means with every company I work with when working for the company I have to abide with their rules and practices. If I didn't my contract would have been terminated.