In the history of American music during the last 120 years, there has occurred a change in the use oftwowords. Oneofthemwas never used 120 years ago and the other was. Today, the one never used is common and the common word then is never used today. Time seems to change how words are interpreted and used and their relative acceptability. Years ago, no one used “pimp” and everyone used “n—–.” Today, no one uses “n—–” and “pimp” is in common usage.

Neither of us has any idea at all what time will bring to the term “rape.” I agree with the sentiment of your article. I also know it is possible the word will be in a top 10 song title in the not-so-distant future.

I likely won’t live to see it, and thatpleasesme. “N—–”isan assault on my humanity. So is “pimp.” “Rape,” as an act and as the sense of vulnerability associated with the act, is also an assault on my humanity. However, the word doesn’t assault me as the other two do. My guess is that’s because my experience with rape is vicarious, which is very different from direct.

Leif Fearn, professor of teacher education