Pardon me if these questionings are offensive in any way. That is not my intention. I am merely curious on the intricacies of the N-word and its uses.

It is commonly known, I think, that white people oughn’t say it, something which doesn’t extend to Black people. I wonder, though, if white people think of the word, in their head (assuming the person has some sort of inmer monologue). I would imagine thinking the word might increase one’s propensity to utter the word aloud. Or perhaps not. Certainly further exposure to content that features said language must increase one’s likelihood of using the term, no? Even if one never makes use of it aloud, surely the chances hypotetically increase, no?

Race is a social construct anyways, so what exactly are races? What defines a race? Is it from a 'Murican perspective? Asian is a race, innit? Is Latin American a race? If so, do white Latin Americans, or those with European descent, is that part of such race? How does the usage of the N-word apply to other races, assuming such thing?

Edit: I imagine race doesn’t just boil down to skin colour, right? There’s more to it than white = light skinned and Black = dark skinned, innit?

Edit 2: Maybe this was better for NoStupidQuestions. I may have mistankenly gone too soon for Ask Lemmy, seeing it is a question.

I’d like to add I am not questioning the N-word itself. I would not say it. I comprehend it is offensive. Seeing as it gets used by Black people, and it’s not to be used by white people, I was merely wondering on how this goes exactly. Whether it boils down to Black vs. non-Black, and what exactly defines being Black. (And also the part about thinking the word)

To add, I am not 'Murican, so no need to assume that. English isn’t even me first language.

Edit 3: to be very clear, I DO NOT WISH TO USE THE N-WORD. And I am not looking for some sort of loophole. I am merely trying to better understand things. I apologise if this is of any offense to Black people, as it is not my intention to harm anyone

Edit 4: mods, if needed be, you can safely delete this post. Not that you needed permission. I’d just like to let known if this is any problem, deletion is fine by me. I don’t intent on causing issues

  • lmmarsano@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
    5·
    16 hours ago

    The rule is it’s a taboo word particularly in the US and in English-speaking communities aware of its US history. In the US, there’s an ingroup & outgroup dynamic with the black community where in less formal registers the ingroup may use it

    • for ingroup disparagement
    • neutrally
    • for ingroup solidarity or camaraderie.

    However, the ingroup speaks in black vernacular English, so the word sounds different.

    You’re recognized as a member of the ingroup community if they generally perceive you as such: culture, speech, appearance, other social markers.

    Usage by the outgroup is typically treated as insensitive & insulting outside special cases such as quotation & academic discussion. The euphemism n-word is typically employed to minimize offense.