re: Is "Thug" the new N-word?

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JazzyJeff
Is "Thug" the new N-word?

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I think it depends on context and ultimatley its hard to tell.

With the "N" word its pretty easy. Blacks own the word - as a community they can set the standards for how they want to use it - non-blacks never get to say it.

The word "thug" is a lot more gray. I think it is frequently used without racist intentions. It is sometimes used with racist intentions. Ultimately only the user of the word really knows.


Practically its best to just avoid it. There are other terms that can be used that are more descriptive - like "violent criminals", "gang members", "drug dealers".