Watch Out Loud: What Was It Like the 1st Time You Were Called the N-Word?

When I asked a few of our readers to come in to The Root’s offices and share their personal experiences of being called the n-word for the first time, I knew I’d get a lot of stories steeped in ignorance. I didn’t realize that a lot of the stories would sound like shared experiences with a checklist of items that seemed like a preparation for a racist kit: pickup trucks, Confederate flags on display and white boys.

I sifted through the stories to try to offer up varying experiences of this vile version of racism, and the above video showcases just how casual and pedestrian hatred can be.

The Out Loud video series asks our reader questions on various topics affecting the black community, and the idea is that it reveals the inner thoughts and feelings of black people ... out loud. Check out the video above.

And in the comments, share your story about the first time someone ever called you the n-word.