Ta-Nehisi Coates has an incredibly clear explanation for why white people shouldnt use the n-word
Coates first pointed out that it is normal in our culture for some people or groups to use certain words that others cant. For example, his wife calls him honey; it would not be acceptable, he said, for strange women to do the same. Similarly, his dad was known by his family back home as Billy but it would be awkward for Coates to try to use that nickname for his father.
Thats because the relationship between myself and my dad is not the same as the relationship between my dad and his mother and his sisters who he grew up with, Coates said. We understand that.
The same concept applies to different groups and their words. My wife, with her girl friend, will use the word b*tch, Coates said. I do not join in. You know what Im saying? I dont do that. I dont do that. And perhaps more importantly, I dont have a desire to do it.
*snip*
Coates concluded that white people should use this sense as a lesson: The experience of being a hip-hop fan and not being able to use the word ni**er is actually very, very insightful. It will give you just a little peek into the world of what it means to be black. Because to be black is to walk through the world and watch people doing things that you cannot do, that you cant join in and do. So I think theres actually a lot to be learned from refraining.
More at link: https://www.vox.com/identities/2017/11/9/16627900/ta-nehisi-coates-n-word?utm_campaign=vox&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
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