Who Can Say the "N" Word?

Alright guys, I have to get something off of my chest.

About a week ago I voiced my opinion about who should be able to say the "N" word to a close friend of mine. She holds the view that if you aren't black, then you shouldn't be able to say the "N" word. This isn't a believe that is uncommon. She also holds the view that you shouldn't say the "N" word if you are non-black, under ANY circumstance. Singing along with the lyrics of a song was brought up as an example. I basically asked, "Well, why?". I said that obviously I was against saying the "N" word at someone, meaning to cause them harm. But why should I be against these non-harmful ways of using the word (like in music)? And why is it that only a certain group of people are shamed for using this word in these non-harmful ways?

Now, this was a friend I had all throughout high school, and my two years of college. And what happened? She blocked me, for inquiring about her view, no less. I was honestly heartbroken. I felt I didn't do anything to deserve this! And I didn't! I was very polite in my response, even letting her know that I wouldn't personally use the word around her, because it upsets her, and I respect that.

Alright, so this is where it gets strange. She told me she didn't care about my opinion, then proceeded to block me. But I know that if it was a black person voicing this opinion, she would have handled it differently. It may seem inconsequential, but she was being racist, by treating me and my opinion with less respect than she would have if I were black.

Two super important lessons to take home from this:

1. Don't use language to hurt people. They don't deserve it, and neither do you.

2. Don't get upset and block long time friends. They don't deserve it, and neither do you.

Just be nice to each other okay? And don't call each other the "N" word.