I can feel what you're saying Barb. My two BFFs (both black) are not crazy about this article. Ha! They wanted to slap me when I wrote it. They are absolutely not about "dumbing down" the term for ignorant people (white or black). I just feel like at some point we need to get back that first sentence, as you say. I know there are some people for whom no terminology will do (cough, cough, Trumpsters). But, there are some people who might otherwise listen if they can get past that term.

I'm not 100% positive ditching the term is the way to go. Like you said, this is a tough one. :/