Obama, in podcast, uses N-word to make point on racism

[marshall]

16. I wouldn't describe what he did as "using" the word

Using it would be to call out to someone and refer to them by the word. Using it implies either a sense of contempt or solidarity, depending on who uses it and how they use it.

He was talking about the word. In print such instances are either in quotes or italics to show that the word is not being used in its common sense.

I use the term "n word" when discussing it because I know people find it offensive, regardless of the intent. I think Obama is taking a good approach, but I think it will be a long time before discussing the word by actually speaking the word will be acceptable for most people.