The Nigger in You: Challenging Dysfunctional Language, Engaging Leadership Moments

Inspiration for the award-winning film How Does It Feel to be a Problem? (2021)

A deeply poignant tapestry of personal stories, scholarship, and poetry, this book asks us to embrace our identity as leaders by engaging those who perpetrate dysfunctional language or behavior, thereby contributing to a world in which differences are respected and validated.

Dr. Wiley borrows the agency of nigger, arguably the quintessential, most universally known term of disparagement of those negatively considered the Other, to re-frame the word as no longer just a racial term but one that symbolizes many of the ways we disrespect or bully one another, are inconsiderate of one another, prejudge one another, and internalize our demonization. He defines the word in a way that demonstrates its equivalence to other dysfunctional language (retard, bitch, fag, trailer trash, etc.) that suggests that those so targeted are unworthy of consideration in our society. By creating a conversation around such language, Dr. Wiley challenges us to recognize that, when we give in to our prejudices and stereotypes, the “nigger in you” is what we are apt to see when we encounter those different from ourselves.

A timeless, invaluable text for scholars, students, and higher education professionals, this book stretches beyond the world of academia to earn a well-deserved place on every leader’s bookshelf. Accompanying online material includes photographs of Dr. Wiley keynoting the October 2014 Vermont National Guard’s “Leadership Day” and keynoting ILAM May 2018 Conference in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as a YouTube video capturing Dr. Wiley revealing the rationale behind the title of his book The NIGGER in You: Challenging Dysfunctional Leadership, Engaging Leadership Moments.

J. W. Wiley currently has a joint appointment as the Director for the Center for Diversity at State University of New York - Plattsburgh and a lecturer in Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies. Previously Dr. Wiley served as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, founder/director of the Claremont Graduate University (CGU) Diversity Office, Director of the CGU Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Scholars Program; founder/director of the CGU Minority Mentor Program; CGU’s Special Assistant for Diversity; and Director of Recruitment. In 1996 Dr. Wiley was co-author/co-coordinator of the 8th Annual National Black Graduate Student Conference hosted by Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Wiley lectures/keynotes and presents to a colleges/universities and business clientele through his company, Xamining Diversity. His clients include Pfizer Pharmaceuticals; University of California San Francisco Medical Center; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; Princeton’s Jr. Scholars Institute; Norwich University in Vermont; New York State Nursing Association; PACE University of New York City; Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital; Various school districts, Homeland Security; Bombardier Corp; and Plattsburgh New York Mayor’s Office/City Council, and Police Department. Dr. Wiley has a diversity & social justice blog titled: Wiley Wandering. He consulted, co-wrote and co-directed a documentary titled: “Dissed-Respect: The Impact of Bullying.” In December 2009 Dr. Wiley received the inaugural John Brown Coming Home Award for “raising consciousness and promoting civility in the North Country of New York.” In 2011 he was chosen by NY State Archives Trust to address the impact of the “I Have a Dream” speech for the “Power of Words” series/show on NPR.