In the context of the N-word, the power behind the word is reflective of more than just slave times — it carries a history of institutionalized, racial discrimination against Black people that has yet to be fully eliminated from society.
Basically, we’re not just upset about it being a mean word. The racial discrimination that the N-word reinforces is tangible and affects the mental and emotional well-being of Black people and their finances, too. Whether it is the use of subprime mortgages to deny or stiff-arm Black families into predatory housing situations, the persistent employment discrimination that we see in hiring practices or the fact that the median Black wealth will be $0 in 2053, it is clear that resources are being denied to Black communities. All you are being denied is the use of a word in rap songs.
When a population is denied ownership of tangible goods in society, the ownership of language can be a powerful and empowering thing. While many white folks have strong opinions on this matter, it’s really not their issue to weigh-in on. When one tries to police Black communities’ use of language, they are reasserting their implicit moral authority as a non-Black American.
So while you may not be personally responsible for racial inequity in America, and you may not be able to personally make reparations, the least you can do is refrain from actively robbing Black people of their ownership of the N-word.
So, can you use the N-word if you’re not Black? No. Just, no.