The-N-word

What's the difference between these two sounds, 'er' and 'ah', when pronouncing a word? In the case of this one word, it could literally mean the difference between life and death, a beat down, or in De Mario's life, a suspension from school. Only one word can have such an effect, the 'N' word. Once a straight 'A' student, De Mario has shut down emotionally, just like his mother, following the recent death of his brother in Afghanistan. Tasked with writing an essay as to why he should not use the N word, both De Mario and his mother, learn to grieve and heal during his exploration of this controversial word. A journey that leads both mother and son towards closure.