How the n-word became the atomic bomb of racial slurs

RANDALL KENNEDY:

I don't think there is a solution, other than education.

People ought to know that even if you are using the word without malevolence, even if you are attempting to use the word in an ironic way or as a term of endearment, there's always the problem of mistake.

So, I have gotten hundreds of e-mails over the years from white kids who say the following: I'm running around with my black friends, and we are listening to rap. Is it OK if I say n—– because we are shouting the lyrics of these rap songs?

And I say to people often that it may very well be that you're with your friend. It may very well be that you have no bad intentions. But if you are out in public, and especially if you are white, and you use this word, there is the problem of the person who's right next to you who doesn't know you at all, who doesn't know what your intentions are, who doesn't know about your friendship with your black buddy over here. But as soon as the word n—– comes out of your mouth, this person slaps you, or worse.

Simple prudence would dictate that you use this term very carefully, if ever.

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