If a word is derogatory, then it is derogatory no matter who says it.

IF being significant here

words are only derogatory if used in derogatory context

calling someone a dog is derogatory

calling someone your dog is not


CONTEXT,, applies to every word of the English language

The "N" word is indeed derogatory.

I do not buy into the claim that it is OK for certain parties to use it while it isn't OK for other parties to use it.

to each their own

I refuse to buy into the idea that of all words in the English language this ONE is the only one whose context doesn't matter and must always mean only one thing

Do tell what else the N word means.

It is and will always remain abusive no matter what justifies it! Plain simple

It is and will always remain abusive no matter what justifies it! Plain simple

It is and will always remain abusive no matter what justifies it! Plain simple

whatever the speaker means it to,, you know,, like all other words in the language,,lol

So, what prevents a white person from having a non-derogatory meaning while using it?

nothing,, if they are in the close circle of others using it in non derogatory meaning

like I have said before,, its not likely whites are calling each other ni&&as, as is indicated here by how often they indicate it can only be derogatory

so , since most white people have no more than one close black friend, its not often or likely that they don't mean it in a derogatory way

but its not an absolute , so nothing stops that unusual white person who has close friendships with blacks who use the term with each other from being able to use it with those friends as well,, I have seen it before

The "N" word is a corruption of the Spanish word for black.
So, why should it be considered derogatory coming from a white person but not derogatory coming from a black person?

for the same reason sob is derogatory from an outsider in a country bar that bumps into you

but sob is neutral from a fellow country bar patron asking 'where ya been you sob'

CONTEXT

I do not make friends with people who call others "SOB". I do not consider "SOB" to be neutral.

that explains it then


and that's your perogative

If context determines the meaning of a word,
then whenever an elderly white American uses the "N" word,
one ought to ask the person what he or she means by it.

For some elderly white Americans, the "N" word simply means black person, a physical description of a particular person with no ill intent.

nah, context isn't present where ni&&a is 'neutral'

in fact, few words have a 'neutral' context

and some people don't mind letting others dictate how they have to use words with each other


so be it

not saying I cant,, freedom of speech means no one can literally tell force people to say or not say

naturally


but no need to be 'bafffled' that people use different words differently in different situation and contexts in different company

which is true of most the English language

my husband called me baby but my employer probably shouldn't,,

So who is dictating?

Is it not the one who insists that white people must not use the word while insisting that it is OK for black people to do so?