I didn't say that at all. Not even close.

And no, I don't even think it's about tone per se. Rappers certainly don't say it in a "tone of love", in fact I've hardly ever heard the word used affectionately. And as I say in the article, there have been plenty of examples of white people saying it perfectly innocently (or saying a word that sounds like it) and being fired for it.

The issue, in my opinion, is that when a white person says it, many black people have been taught that they should be upset. Regardless of context, regardless of intent. It's a kind of learned inferiority.

I hope more people figure out that it's a reflection on the person using it, not on the person hearing it.