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Nathaniel overhears LT call one of his black friends "nigger" in a non-
offensive context. Later, Nathaniel innocently uses the expression with David Phillips, a
black friend of his own. David, understandably incensed, goes after him and a fight
breaks out. Both boys are sent to the principal's office. Nathaniel tries to explain that he
heard some other kids use the word and he was just trying to be cool. When Russell finds
out that Nathaniel heard LT use the N-word, Russell asks LT to assume some
responsibility for using the word in Nathaniel's presence. LT refuses to let Russell lay
blame on him. Nathaniel becomes fearful of returning to school, worried the kids will
gang up on him. LT tries to explain to Nathaniel why black people can use the N-word to
each other without it carrying the same weight. But Shamaya feels differently, opposed
to the use of the word altogether. Russell takes Nathaniel to the Phillips' house to
apologize to David and his parents. But they are not quick to forgive, realizing this is
something Nathaniel will get over, but something that their son will have to live with.
Claire and Nathaniel run into LT at the supermarket. LT is still confrontational,
hammering home the point that they'll never know what it's like to be in his shoes.
Nathaniel pays a visit to Shamaya, offering to do chores for free as a way of making
amends. Shamaya tries to explain that all black people don't feel the same way about the
use of the N-word, just like people from other races feel and think differently about many
different things. Shamaya reminds Nathaniel of the value of this experience -- that he
realizes he made a mistake and that, aside from offending his friend, he got people to
think. After covering a skinhead trial, LT finds some common ground with Russell,
regarding minorities using tribal language amongst their own -- whether it be among
blacks, gays or even Navy Seals. Nathaniel is still worried about returning to school.
Russell and Claire try to reassure him. Shamaya asks LT to be more understanding with
Nathaniel, explaining that Nathaniel looks up to him and while it may not be his
obligation to make things right, it's an opportunity to make progress. The next day, LT
walks Nathaniel to school and brokers a peace between Nathaniel and David.
Josh gets accepted to the University of Colorado, Boulder on a partial scholarship. But
he still blames his mom for Bobbie's decision to break up with him. Bobbie and Josh talk
at the U.C. Boulder mixer party. Josh broaches the idea of getting back together. But
Bobbie feels there's too much going on right now. Claire tries to smooth things over with
Josh -- that she just wants what's best for him. But he stands his ground, defending his
relationship with Bobbie as valid as any college experience he's bound to have, things
happen and she can't live his life for him. Later, Bobbie admits that when Josh told her
he loved her and spoke of marriage, she was scared by the intensity of her own feelings
for him. She now realizes she's not ready for marriage. She thinks they need to slow
down. If the feelings are really there, they won't go anywhere.
Russell pays a visit to Michael (Dinah's boyfriend) at the coffeehouse/bookstore where he
works to lay down some ground rules. In the previous episode, Michael persuaded Dinah
to lie to her parents and spend the night at his place. For the next month, if they want to
see each other it can only be at the Greene's house, with an adult present. Later, Dinah
talks with Michael about the conditions her dad has placed on their seeing each other.
The more they talk, the more evident it becomes that Michael isn't prepared to abide by
these conditions -- and the difference in their perspectives on parental authority. Dinah
won't lie to her parents again. When it becomes clear that Michael cares more about his
freedom than abiding by her parents' rules, Dinah cuts him loose. |
