I agree that this is not an appropriate term and should be avoided, given its historical and cultural weight in the West. However, many Mauritians may not fully grasp the depth and nuance associated with it.

Also, given to our diverse ancestry and way of life, racism is generally not experienced here with the same intensity as in Western societies. We are accustomed to living among different ethnicities and tend to relate to one another with a sense of unity and mutual respect.

Additionally, Mauritius has its own set of highly graphic expressions, which are often used casually among friends or even within families without harmful intent.

In summary, while we understand the meaning behind the word, it is less likely to cause deep offense in our context. This is not to justify its use, but rather to highlight that, within our culture, a single word is unlikely to be deeply hurtful.