We need to chat about the N-word because the discourse around the BAFTA incident has been ridiculous

Everything you say is entirely sensible. The problem is that you are not dealing with sensible people. The theoretical underpinning of the philosophical position from which John Davidson’s critics are coming directly contradicts your premise. It asserts from the outset that context and intent are irrelevant to racism claims and that the only things that matter are content and perceived harm. You can put forward your appeal for rational discourse from now until the end of time and it will make no difference because those who oppose you fundamentally disagree with your assessment that anything, especially ‘racism’ can be context specific. Of course, they do not in the least bit understand that when they argue that the word can be used by and within the black community, but nowhere else, they are, in fact, making an argument that relies on context. Like every area of postmodernism, queer theory, social justice theory and critical race theory, the proponents of the ‘John Davidson is a racist’ position have no intellectual or philosophical coherence.

You are obviously correct and explain it well but I fear this will be lost upon the people who actually need to hear it

As a TS sufferer myself, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for such an eloquent & erudite vid. I know you've been subject to a load of a abuse from ignorant, hateful people as a result but hopefully you've gotten through to at least some. You're wonderful advocate for us - thank you again!

LOVE THIS! This is one of the most succinct tellings of this situation. He can’t help it. He’s not racist. If you don’t actually know what Tourette’s, or specifically Coprolalia, is, then please don’t give an opinion. Know what you are talking about before talking. Educate yourself! Thanks Kiyah!

Girl… this lil girl is a grifter and an enabler. Nobody is mad at him because he is disabled. Most people understand Tourette’s. I think what blew this thing all up is when Mr. Davidson put out his initial statement there was not an apology attached to the statement. Because he knows he has this tic. He was hurling negativity towards people the whole night. Cool he says it’s involuntary. But knowing this should have promoted an apology from him or his people. But he didn’t initially apologized and that set everyone black person off (especially black Americans because it was hurled towards 2 black Americans). Now, he has since apologized to Mr. Jordan and Mr. Delroy so this conversation should be over.

George Carlin made the same point. The N-word is just a word, it is the context that is important. The N-word has become a magic word. I would challenge readers to go into a room alone and simply say the N-word. I suspect many people would find themselves literally incapable of saying it or at least struggle. Your brain will not allow it. That is a conditioned response.

I don’t understand why people are coming after him, because he is a truly exceptional case. Coprolalia is horrendously misunderstood, and the blatant ableism I’ve seen in this discourse has been disturbing to say the least.

Thaaaaaank you, I couldn’t have worded it better. John being labeled as a racist for an involuntary tick ultimately blurs what racism actually is as an ideology and behavior. People sadly prefer reacting emotionally instead of taking the context of the situation

You’re WRONG. Let him tell you why.

It’s something that has baffled me. US has enshrined free speech. One group of people can utter a word, yet another group MUST refer to this as the N-word

Can’t stand a pick me ass person whose will sit here a cape for white peope. You also said it’s okay for them to say it because it’s in a song. You the one when white folks say they have a black friend. You allow this shit

Thank you. You are a breath of fresh air.

Very very well said… I wish more people understood. We need more smart people like you. To sum it up… CONTEXT Thank you 🙏

John is a lovely, kind hearted man who would never intentionally hurt another human. We love him in the UK!

I case it helps…. Taboo words are emotionally “high-salience” and normally heavily suppressed in speech. Tourette’s involves impaired inhibitory control in cortico-striatal circuits. When inhibition misfires, the most emotionally charged, over-suppressed words are more likely to break through. That’s neurological disinhibition — not endorsement. (See: NeuroResearch & Practice 2024; UCL studies on taboo word processing.)

Absolute sanity. Thank you. No doubt you'll get called a 'house negro', as I have been several times by other blacks who just don't do the whole 'context' thing.

Well said. And I agree with you. I will stand all day against anyone being racist bcos it does lead to harms. It’s abhorrent. What happened at the awards was distressing, and shocking in the moment. But it wasn’t racist nor was it a harm.

Young lady, you are a gift to your generation Keep up the good work

Well said and points for giving good energy. Wake up people. Kiyah gets it.

"John Davidson did nothing wrong." Thank you. That said, I do feel sorry for the two men on stage when they had to hear that word and, in the moment, I thought they dealt with it graciously. But, yes - John did nothing wrong.

we get it he had tourettes, but they kept the outburts in the show for a racist reason. So while we understand that. We are very still pissed. these mfs better stop playing in our face. 😒

👏👏👏👏 Finally someone saying ALL the things. TY fir saying it out loud.

problem is people can’t use there brains and understand context or common sense. Like do people really believe a man who’s been an outcast all his life due to neurological disorder and worked for 40+ years to raise awareness would ruin it all that the moment he gets in the room?

It does make sense if you understand ‘critical theory’ and the political intent behind it. The Neo Marxist Marcuse instructed the use of ‘ghetto populations’ as new victim class being oppressed by the system. The identity politics of the Left need to churn the victimhood narrative; thus keeping people angry, voting for the Leftist Vanguard that will usher in the new ‘just’ system.

I’m so sick of these c🦝00NS and sell outs that want to be the spook that sat by the door. The house kneegrow.

Maybe blacks could stop using this word if they want it to not be used.

Well said, Kiyah Willis!

It’s refreshing to see someone who has clearly taken the time to understand and then explain all of this. Thank you, Kiyah.

Why is it always the white washed black people defending this? It’s the same pattern. You see how we’re still talking about this instead of the award show? Sure it wasn’t on purpose but why wasn’t it cut out? Why was there a mic next to him? Answer these questions

It makes no sense to anyone outside the US….its like fat people calling everyone fat,making movies and music calling everyone fat then going nuts when someone calls them fat

I find it peculiar that the tics are often profane rather than "You're beautiful!" 🤣 I wonder if Muslims with Tourettes ever say "Allahu Akbar." That could be inconvenient in airports and planes. 🤔

Saying the word doesn’t make him a racist. He didn’t want to say the word, but he did and should apologize for the pain it caused

Absolutely, someone in another post said what if I called you a cracker, I’m from the uk, I literally have no idea what that means. If I said cracker it would be to do with cheese and crackers. Intent really matters with these words. Intent was not there, he has a disability.

It never passed my filter. There is no upside for him doing it intentionally. It’s not like he’s an agitation as a lifestyle guy like in politics, where the payoff is the negative attention. No upside at all.

Well said! What a thoughtful and intelligent young lady you are ❤️ We really are in danger of making the word racist meaningless through spurious overuse, and it helps no one.