If you're not black do you say the 'N word'...

[McGruff]

When singing along to songs?

So many mainstream songs have it in now. I don't sing in public or anything but I will sing along with it in the shower, tidying up etc.

But what if its karaoke?

It's not a word I'm comfortable saying in any context out of my own mouth, ever. But when it's part of a song I love and I'm singing along. Should I censor myself?

No. One of my dearest friend is black, my DC dad is black, grew up very multi-cultural with lots of black peers. Always leave the N word out. I've been told plenty of times over the years that 'I have a pass I can say' but nope I don't say it and I'm a huge 90s rap fan.

I am white. I was at a Cypress Hill concert in the 90s, singing along and sang the N word when it came up. I just didn't really think about it, but the friend I was with was really horrified and so I have never done it again. So, no, thinking about it, I don't, and I listen to a fair bit of hip-hop.

No way, I don't think I listen to any music where it's said actually.
Is it in Of Mice and Men? I think people said it when we were reading it aloud in GCSE English but everyone did it in an embarrased mumble.

You guys won't sing a lyric from a song because someone you don't know, who can't hear you, might (in your head) choose to feel offended by you singing the word?

Well done all of you.

How condescending! I don’t use the c word either. Because it’s dead rude and my mum would tell me off (but really she died 13 years ago).

@TheSandman - why would you say the D word except in the context of dry stone walls? Surely not to refer to lesbian women?

Singing along to songs?

During the 80s it was one of those reclaimed words that the gay/bi community (a fragmented and uneasy alliance if there ever was one) of which I was a part, used quite freely and proudly.

No.

DS1 likes the kind of music that uses it though and he told me of one rap artist (I have no idea who!) who invites a member of the audience u onstage to rap along with him. All fine when those people were black but the white woman who got up and rapped along got a whole heap of abuse for not editing out the N word. DS says he will sing along with all the lyrics when alone but feels very uncomfortable doing so in the car with a black friend even though that friend has said it's fine.

I do think it is a little odd just how awkward I find it given I grew up when it was an acceptable word. It really "shocks" me when I hear it now.

Noooooo!

No never. Not even in the car when I’m by myself. Why would I want as a white person to ever use it, even if no one can hear me? And I do listen to a lot of rap/grime music, so I do hear it a lot.

My white friends do.

Alone in the car? Seriously? That’s a bit much.

@TheSandman

Ah, sorry. I haven't heard any songs with the D word in myself so wasn't aware.