Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, I was always surrounded by Latinos, mostly Mexicans. I never would have been exposed to this amount of diversity if it was not for me coming to UNT. Most people in the Valley do not leave Valley. I love where I grew up, and because I do, I have a message for my friends back home: stop saying the n-word. Recently, I had a twitter dispute with people from back home. I love you all, but here is why your language is wrong.
1. “It’s just slang for dude” The word is a racial slur that was, and still is, used to intimidate black people in white communities. Words matter. And these words are not empty; they hold centuries of slavery, black codes, terror, lynching and discrimination.
2. “I don’t mean it in that way” Your intentions don’t change the meaning of the word. Using it creates a hostile environment, especially for black people. To use that word without recognizing its original intention is to erase the pain of countless black people.
3. “It’s okay because there’s no black people around” This comfort is rooted in anti-blackness. You should not be comfortable being racist anywhere. Be better.