As far as I am aware the only person who can use this word is Chris Rock, and I appreciate his definition.

Is the issue more that you (i.e. everyone) are worried about upsetting me if you say this word?

I see where he's coming from but it's still the context that matters the most. I watched the movie Blazing Saddles the other night where it's used dozens of times and within the context it didn't come off as offensive at all........

It's sad that anyone has to be told this. I'd've thought the reason was obvious.

I don't agree with Ta-Nehisi Coates. Tremendous respect but strongly disagree. Frankly, I am more offended by people insisting on calling it "the N-word" than saying "nigger". I personally don't say it much, but don't care much when I hear it. It always the context that matters.

Very well expressed and relatable. I used to love the show Picket Fences and remember an episode in which a white character tried to adopt black culture and the way the material was presented, it almost had a 1st person feel and the awkwardness was nearly palpable - just like this man explained.

Thank you for posting this. He doesn’t use the word “privilege” per se, but he does say white people believe they have a right to everything, it’s the culture we’re born into. I like how he breaks it down to very fundamental social interactions that we normally understand and adhere to.

I thought this was a question at first and clicked just to come see the fireworks.