Down for My N****s: Who Is Allowed to Use The N-Word?

Baller Alert recently posted a story on Aaron Slator, the now former President of Content and Ad Sales for AT&T who was terminated from his high level position after 30 years for sending a meme with an African child captioned “It’s Friday, N****s!” via text.

As I read through the comments, I noticed the overwhelming vast majority of responses did not agree that using the n-word in this context was racist or personally offensive to them. With the current discord in Baltimore and the ongoing protests around the country over the last few months, I expected a different reaction. I assumed people would be outraged due to heightened racial tension currently covering the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The topic of using the n-word is not a new discussion by far. Some stand firm that we as black people have proudly reclaimed the word by putting a positive spin on such a negative slur. Others disagree and believe that absolutely no one should be using a term that has historically carried so much weight and pain.

Either way the use of the word is in almost every rap and R&B tune,  n***a this and n***a that is plastered on memes galore for the world repost, and the word has become a regular part of conversation for most of “us.” This widespread usage has left the people of non-African decent confused as to why they can’t ride or die for their n-words, too. Don’t get me wrong, there is still malice intent to use the word and those who use it in a derogatory manner will continue to do so no matter what. But there seems to be this underlying desire to openly use the forbidden word by our counterparts because it’s “cool.” It’s pretty obvious that black culture has and continues to set the standard for what is hot – and nobody wants to be left out in the cold. Although they must tread lightly, I’ve noticed groups with more melanin such as those who are of Hispanic or Asian decent are granted more leniency when it comes to freely voicing that they are down for their n-words and to F them other n-words. Those of fairer skin tones and/or European decent seem to be scored more quickly and harshly.

So when is it okay to use the N-word… if ever? Is there a way to use it in a manner that is not offensive? Do certain groups get a pass? Should African-Americans stop using the word all together? Who can truly be down for their n****s?!