No, You Can't Say the N-Word

Being that it was historically used by white people to degrade black people, the n-word will forever be associated with America’s history of horrific racism and slavery. However, the word’s weight and significance have been reclaimed by the black community. It has adopted a far more positive connotation (only when used by black people) and acts as a term of endearment rather than as a derogatory slur. In the context of black-on-black conversation, the n-word loses its racism (at least to an extent) because the word is no longer used to tyrannize them from a point of racial leverage. When a previously demeaning term is tossed around in camaraderie, it possesses less power when used as a slur, similar to how the LGBTQ+ community casually utilizes the word “f-ggot.” 

The racism and homophobia are returned, however, when a non-black or non-LGBTQ person uses the word because these words are representative and reflective of the power dynamics in American society. Using a racial or homophobic slur as a non-member of these communities reinforces a dynamic in which LGBTQ+ and black people are subjugated.

Your minor inconvenience is never an excuse to use blatantly racist rhetoric, regardless of the context or target, meaning that it doesn’t matter if the word is in your favorite rap song or if you’re not directly calling anyone the n-word. There is absolutely no valid reason why you should want to say that word knowing its historical significance. Inadvertently or intentionally, you are wielding the power of institutionalized racism and homophobia through your diction. It is purely common courtesy and respect to refrain from saying the n-word as a non-black person.

The equivalent of the n-word as it applies to any other race in the U.S. is nonexistent. There isn’t another word in the English language that recalls a similarly traumatic history, especially towards white people. While there are other slurs levied against people of other races, none of them apply to such an intense centuries-long period of slavery and discrimination. 

There is an unfortunate and toxic mentality that being non-white means that you endure the same racial struggles and oppression as African-Americans do. This is absolutely not the case. This isn’t to say that other races do not face racism, because they undoubtedly do, but it is crucial to understand that racism, like many other things, exists on a messy spectrum with many varying layers and shades. If you are not black, you will never experience the discrimination and fear that  accompany being black in America.

The offense when a white person uses the n-word should be pretty self-explanatory, but I’ve personally witnessed an atrocious number of South Asians using the word, followed by excuses along the lines of “I’ve been called the n-word too” or “I’m oppressed so why can’t I say it?”. Being called the n-word as an Indian, for example, is entirely different from being called the n-word when black. The word does not directly target you or your race. The word came into existence exclusively to oppress black people, not Indians or any other non-black ethnicity. And yes, if you are not a Christian white male in the U.S., you are oppressed to some extent. But marginalization is not and never should be a competition, nor should it be used to justify racist or racially insensitive behavior. Again, if you are not black, you do not face the same racism that black people do. South Asians are not shot by police for their race or sent home from school for their hair. Black people are undeniably more oppressed than Asians, at least in America. 

As an ally, or at least a decently respectful human being, it is your responsibility to not only resist saying the n-word, but also to call attention to the violation when you witness a non-black person saying it. This means educating them and calling them out for their ignorance. Doing this is a crucial step to alleviating the verbal aspect of racism in America and is never unwarranted or unnecessary. By criticizing someone’s racist tendencies, you aren’t “attacking” them, you are directing attention to and attempting to correct an issue that desperately needs resolve. Whether or not they acknowledge the correction, understand that you are doing the right thing, and have no reason to apologize for trying to rectify racism.