Lots to unpack here...
1. This is a conversation for the Black community, and even if we were invited to take part (we are not), neither of us would have credibility in the discussion or a stake in its outcome.
2. This is not a free speech problem for anyone... (cont'd)
1. This is a conversation for the Black community, and even if we were invited to take part (we are not), neither of us would have credibility in the discussion or a stake in its outcome.
2. This is not a free speech problem for anyone... (cont'd)
2. Free speech is protection from punishment by the government, not immunity in the public square for being an asshole. You have the right to say something, and people have the right to shun you.
3. What Black people do w/ the word, in art or otherwise, is none of our business.
3. What Black people do w/ the word, in art or otherwise, is none of our business.
4. None of this--not a damn bit of it--has anything to do with the original premise: folks who are not Black should not say the n-word. Period.
5. And finally, I refuse to believe that grown adults lack the informed agency to understand WHY they shouldn't say the n-word.
5. And finally, I refuse to believe that grown adults lack the informed agency to understand WHY they shouldn't say the n-word.
