Make It Make Sense

When is it okay for a Non-Black author to use the n-word in a work of fiction?

I have been asked several times lately about non-Black authors using the n-word when writing character dialog. Because I am, frankly, weary of answering this question, I decided to answer it here, once and for all. 

So, here's my answer. It is appropriate for a White author to put the n-word in a character's mouth if it isn’t done gratuitously (ala Quinton Tarantino) where the word is just shoehorned in unnecessarily to sound cool or edgy. If the dialog feels natural and non stereotypical. If the characters themselves aren't one dimensional caricatures and are the type of people who would use the word as part of their everyday vernacular. If it's the appropriate word to use in the moment and another word wouldn’t work just as well, then by all means do it. Wherever another word would be just as effective, don't do it. 

For example, if your story takes place in the 90s or early oughts, then “dog”, “playa”, “gangsta”, “playboy”, “sistah” and “bruh” would all work just as well in most situations where one Black person is talking to another. Using the n-word in place of these words is a choice and the author should definitely question their motives for making that choice. That is unless you are writing a racist character. 

Obviously, it would be absurd to have a racist character avoid using the n-word unless he's a closeted racist. Still, even a racist doesn't use the word in every sentence, and might even use other more creative pejoratives. And, most racists are not blatant in their racism. 

Most bigots attempt to give the appearance of being non-racist and avoid using hate-speech even while committing blatantly racist acts and uttering the most bigoted statements. And, frankly, the “I don't see color”, “Affirmative Action is unfair to White people”, “I'm not privileged. I worked hard for everything I have”, “If I as a cis het white man in a world run by cis het white men can make it anyone can”, “Immigrants are taking our jobs” MAGA hat racists are far more common and make for more interesting characters than the swastika and white hood variety, in my opinion. The one dimensional, slavering, maniacal, negro-hating racist caricatures are usually evidence of just lazy writing. I'll also add that if the way you are writing it gives the impression that it's the author using the word and not the characters, then don't do it.

If you're writing a period piece that takes place in the Antebellum South, slave owners might make liberal use of the n-word without it coming off as gratuitous. An older person who was born before the Civil Rights movement might call Black people “Coloreds” and let the occasional n-word slip. These situations would qualify as instances when not using the word would ring false to the reader's ear.

The bottom line, I can't grant you a pass to use the n-word. Nothing I have said above will guarantee that you won't get the taste slapped out of your mouth for including it in yourwriting. But, if you do find it necessary to use it, just like I said in a previous article about grossout and gore, make it make sense. Make it feel natural and not like a teenager or adolescent trying to shock their parents. If you don't think you can pull that off, use another word.