Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Published since 1915 by the students
of Xavier University
Controversial show visits XU
Jennifer Downing
Senior News Editor
“N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk,” a comedy skit and race dialogue created by three ethnically diverse men – an African American, a Hispanic and a Filipino Asian – will be performed at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 in the GSC Theater, free to students with an All Card.
It’s controversial, shocking and, at first, offensive but it hasn’t rocked the boat much yet because it’s been advertised in a more politically correct way under the name “N*W*C: The Race Show.”
“N*W*C” is a show that the administration of the College of Mount St. Joseph’s refused to welcome to campus, said Alyssa Deutsch, a junior Student Activities Council member who has been instrumental in bringing the show to Xavier.
The reason? “‘N*W*C’ meets controversy wherever they go,” said Deutsch. And that’s the point.
“N*W*C” opens with three actors chanting racial slurs, but the ultimate goal of the show is to disempower those stereotypes.
Written from the personal experiences of Miles Gregley, Rafael Agustin and Allan Axibal, the actors said, “The show traces the origins and evolution of three derogatory terms that shaped our lives and took the place of a genuine understanding of our distinct cultures. In doing this show, we hope to disempower these words for ourselves and for our audiences.”
“This is an opportunity to push students outside their comfort zone, to open their eyes to the different issues that surround race today,” says Deutsch.
Bringing “N*W*C” to Xavier is a process that has been charged by Deutsch and junior Shaudae Jones, but the SAC board members had some hesitations about sponsoring the event.
“It was debated for a long time. Concerns were mostly with the title of the show and how we were going to go about promoting it,” said Deutsch.
Not all faculty stood behind SAC’s decision to bring “N*W*C” to campus either.
“It was controversial because the actors don’t have a background in education training – the show is more related strictly to performing arts,” said Deutsch.
Some faculty would have rather seen an educational speaker instead of these performers who come to tell their personal stories.”
“People will feel uncomfortable – I did when I saw the show – but it’s important to remember that change doesn’t happen unless people are uncomfortable,” said Tekeia Howard, Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs, who saw the show last spring.
When Howard attended the show with a group of students and faculty members before determining if the show’s tour would come to Xavier, she was hesitant. “I wasn’t going in with a positive attitude,” said Howard.
After seeing the show, her opinion shifted: “As the show continued, I realized that it’s an art form – it’s three men telling their story. I realized that this can be a positive experience for a lot of people if they keep in mind the climate of respect on this campus.”
Brian Bowsher
Editor-in-Chief
Thanks to a joint effort on the part of the Xavier Department of Athletics, Auxiliary Services, Campus Dining and the National Alumni Association, the weekly Sean Miller radio show will now be held live on campus at Ryan’s Pub.
The call-in talk show featuring Coach Miller and XU basketball broadcasters Joe Sunderman and Byron Larkin is scheduled for 16 shows to air on most Mondays throughout the season. The first show is scheduled to air from 7-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12.
“This campus-wide team has made it possible for the students to be involved in this special sports program,” stated Tom Barlow, Director of Auxiliary Service.
“This is also a great start in making Ryan’s into Xavier’s sports café,” continued Barlow. “This is based on the many recent discussions with Student Government and student and alumni focus groups, each requesting to make Ryan’s into the official Xavier sports café.
We want a place that truly reflects the excitement of Xavier while still retaining the name given by Charlie Gallagher.”
Brian Bowsher 
Editor-in-Chief
Jennifer Downing
Senior News Editor
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