I recently had a conversation with a white woman who used the word Nigger in front of me like it was nothing. Contextually, there was nothing wrong with how she used it. 

But that was the first time we had ever met, and I walked away wondering if she got a little too comfortable with me to where she felt like she could use that word before exploring how I might feel about it, knowing fully well that I’m not the type of person to “cancel” her for exercising her freedom of speech. Because honestly, that’s what it felt like for me and in that way, it does cross a boundary.

If she was talking to any other black person, or a crowd full of black folks where she’s outnumbered, would she say “Nigger” with her full chest? Because I’m not here to be anyone’s safe Negro.

I don’t even want to ask her about it. I barely know her and it’s not worth my emotional labor.

Even having to think about this shit after a 1st encounter is a red flag and too much labor.

She’s cool. Just want to keep my distance. This why I’m increasingly careful which white folks I let in & I prefer to be in my own community.✌🏾