Let me make this clear: just because reprehensible, offensive language is in the archive, primary text, whatever you’re teaching, doesn’t mean you should say that language out of your own human mouth. If you struggle with this concept, find a different job.

And for the love of all that is holy, model good behavior for your students. And do them the courtesy of talking to them about language before they read. If you teach literature and you struggle to explain how language usage affects living people, find a different job.

And lastly, yes — we’re all always learning about how to use language to shape the world we want to see. The job of education is to constantly educate oneself — nobody is perfect. But if you aren’t committed to educating yourself and you’re in education, find a different job.