The students were okay with it. It was a comraderie type thing. The coach should've kept it private.but he wanted to show off his acceptance. Big lesson learned, eh?

@IAJO163 So--if I use that word to you, it's not ok, because we're not buddies? Otherwise, it'd be fine?

@LucyLoohoo Do you know anything about Hip Hop culture? EVERYBODY is the "N" word. There is still a faction that uses the word publicly but feel that whites aren't allowed to say it. I think the word is derogatory and shouldn't be used but that's just me being naive. lol.

@IAJO163 All I know about Hip Hop is....it's not my music (I'm a classical music kinda' girl.) Younger people always have their unique sounds and that's natural. BUT...I'm also aware that I hear that offensive word in music and it just makes me sick! I can't even bring myself to say it. (OK--I was active in civil rights demonstrations a long time ago and my heart's always going to be with that struggle.) So, I wouldn't call you ''naive.'' I'd call you (and me) people who still have a bigger issue with historical struggles and discrimination and the probability of hurting someone.

@LucyLoohoo The music is blared loudly in cars driven by all races and it drives me crazy! I'm pretty sure that it's also in spanish. lol.

@IAJO163 Yes...I still remember a car pulling up next to me with a blaring radio..."FUCK DA' PO-LICE"....and me thinking along the lines of "Mozart would cut his own throat....."

@LucyLoohoo Today Mozart would have to realize that it began with the likes of him! LOL!!!

@IAJO163 Considering how young he was when he was composing...he might've written very different music today, right? But...his love for tonal composition and full orchestral sounds would never ''make it'' today. These days....the only composers of (excuse me for this...) ''real music'' write for films...as John Williams, for example.

To my ear...''rap'' and ''hip hop'' etc, are really just musical CHANTING. OK..I'm old.

@LucyLoohoo I'm a musician that Mozart wouldn't have employed because my instrument hadn't been introduced to music back then. I'm a jazz lover.

@IAJO163 I dunno...can't you imagine Mozart and a friend, doodling on their instruments? Composing for an orchestra almost demands that sort of thing.

@LucyLoohoo I was a music major in school. They were try to prep me for writing orchestral pieces. Life got in the way and here I am just remembering it.

@IAJO163 So--now you're older, have more experience in life (with emotions, etc)...why not start over and create melodies?

@LucyLoohoo I'm building an array of instruments to play around with. I currently have a 6 string guitar, a bass guitar, a flute and a drum machine. I also own a set of drums but they're in a different location. I'm just listening and learning. That's fine by me.

@IAJO163 How wonderful for you! Are you retired? What a great way to stay engaged and have fun!

@LucyLoohoo Yes I'm retired and loving it! You?

@IAJO163 Oh, yes! My company was bought out and I got an incredibly sweet severance package. Now, I'm retired for the same number of years I worked. First time in my life I ever felt ''lucky.'