Question:
A white male is listening to a rap song. He begins to sing along. Is it ok to say Nigga if the next word in the song is Nigga?
Does he sing every word except for nigga? Like a radio edit? Why doesn't the radio edit that out?
If he normally enjoys singing the song at home should he hide that fact from his black friends?
The sub-thread with Tjack was about social interactions and what's socially acceptable language to use in an adult world within the context of racial issues. What's acceptable in a person's choice of music and arts among the youth is different. Listening to music that alienates, inflames or outrages older generations is a rite of passage for young adults. I'm good with that. If somebody is singing along to popular music with lyrics that are salty or use the n word, well, it's maybe poor taste but not an outrage in my opinion.
There are some nazi-racist metal bands and I'm guessing maybe some hardcore racist rap music out there. Not OK.
I don't understand the use of the n word between young black men. I don't understand why young women listen to music with misogynist lyrics. I'm not sure if it reflects a healthy self image. On the other hand, I laugh when white kids in my neighborhood drive around with rap booming from their cars. I think that listening to bad music is a part of growing up. They are so far away from the culture that they are imitating that it's funny but I respect their right to do so.
So, you brought up a complicated question regarding what's acceptable in the arts and I have no answer, only my opinion. Listening to and singing along with rap music by a black artist that uses the n word shows poor taste but not an outrage. Maybe somebody else has a better answer.