Let me get this out of the way first. White people still can use the n-word. If they are by themselves or with like minded people, they can say the n-word to their hearts content. They, however, must face the consequences if they say the word among people who disagree with how they are using the n-word. To give you a concrete example of what I mean, I will use another word that I hope will illustrate what I mean. I can call my boss an idiot on the way home from work. I can call my boss an idiot with like-minded employees although there is a danger that I might be wrong about them being like-minded. On the other hand, it would be foolish of me to call my boss an idiot if I was in a meeting with him and other employees. If I was so idiotic to actually call him an idiot in this situation, I, also, would have to be willing to face the consequences of my actions.

But wait why can rappers use the n-word and I can’t. Rappers get grammies for using the n-word and I get in trouble. That isn’t fair. I would argue that rappers are criticized for using the n-word. Indeed, whenever, someone points out that rappers are using the n-word, there is an implicit criticism of their actions. The difference is that the rapper’s audience still are willing to buy the rapper’s records and there is no consequence for his action. It isn’t fair. But, as we are constantly being reminded, life is unfair. Just because rappers continue to use the n-word, doesn’t mean, out of fairness, that white people are free to use the n-word without consequence.

Most white people over a certain age know this and rightfully avoid using the word. They also know why we shouldn’t use the n-word. For hundreds of years, white people used the n-word publicly and without repercussions to belittle and demean blacks. It was intended to be hurtful to blacks and, because of this history, most people, white and black, don’t utter this word in public discourse. If they do, they also understand that there might be pushback from anyone who hears it. If they don’t like it, they are free to complain about it, ask for apologies, and demand some form of consequences.

To feign ignorance or to demand people look at the context of how the n-word was said is more than a little disingenuous. Everyone knows that the n-word is unacceptable in public discourse including the rap stars who continue to use it. The bottom line here is that anybody can use the n-word in a public forum but, if they do, they risk consequences. The n-word carries so much racial animus, the risk of pushbacks for a white person who uses it are high. It seems easy enough to avoid using the word. I have written four paragraphs without using the n-word once. Everyone who reads this blog understands what word I am talking about. So, if you are a white person who wants to continue to say the n-word, by all means, continue. You are free to do so, but then, be prepared, you will have to explain yourself.