The Difference between Race and Culture

An N-word Problem

I just recently, for the billionth time, heard a debate over why it would be ok for artists like Doja Cat, Iggy Azalea or Eminem but not others like Jesy Nelson or Madonna to say the N-word. Of course, this list is not exhaustive and it depends on the impression that an artist gives to someone. However, I do think that my analysis holds for whoever you consider in or out.

Without deep reflection on these artists, we, the people, do not see many differences between these music makers, most of them would be put into the “urban”, “pop” or “rap” category at awards ceremonies. And, in all honesty, it is not really a question of genre. But a question of the culture in which they “belong” and whether it matches with who they are. Let us be careful here of the term Culture and not Race, though linked, sometimes equivalent for some, it does not go down to black artists having a monopoly over n******. And I would dare say that some even could be excluded.

Now that you think of me as a gatekeeping African woman, I will explain the full extent of my claim.

There is a -deep- difference between liking a culture and BEING the culture. And being the culture is way more than what or where you were born, it is about who you are, what you stand for, what you defend and who you are associated with. It is being able to be a real companion, someone close and understanding enough to be able to share your bread with[1], someone to whom you do not have to explain what you mean by this or that tradition. Someone like you. A sibling in more than blood, but in heart.

And now seeing things like this, it might seem easy to become part of the culture. You probably think that you can. But being part of the culture means that you ARE the culture. With the good and most importantly, the bad: racism, discrimination, prejudices and stereotypes (like dumping anything made by an afro-descendant in the “urban” group even if it is a Taylor Swift-like song). You have to get the burdens because they are part of the deal. Have you heard of partners who defect at the first difficulty? I did: bad ones. Ones you do not want associated with you. You simply cannot take something that does not belong to you, benefit and get the praise while discarding the rancid bread and letting your companion eat it.

I would not dare say what it means to be part of a specific community as culture is as everlasting as it is dynamic. But I know what it is like for people who are not and pretend to be. They are nothing but the mirage of appreciation, the illusion of inspiration, and the lie of respect. And like for many things curiosity, education, respect and knowledge are what really take you far. But above all is love for what it is and what there is to discover.

So now, you listen to a song, debate, whatever and wonder: “Is it okay for that person to say that? Is it appropriate?” Well, I can offer you a solution.

If you hear a seemingly non-black person say the n-word, think about the possibility of them being invited to the cookout (if you do not know what the cookout even means, do your homework). So, if you think it would be strange, then they are out. Another thing, if they get praised for a type of hairstyle (Miley Cyrus) as someone rocking the same one is described as smelling like cannabis (Zendaya), but on them, it is exotic, cute or just a style choice, they should maybe get out too. Or if you think a black friend -me- might be offended or negatively surprised by such words said by certain people well, out the door they go.

I have a lot to say about respect, culture, appropriation and its consequences in general. And each of these subjects deserves more than one essay to really be unambiguous. So that is all for today, see you next time on my rant corner of the internet.

Au revoir

[1] Companion: comes from Latin and means the person with whom you share your food with, so a really good friend, and/or travelling buddy; com: with + panem: bread.