[fatjokes]

It is in context, but it's not like he's directly quoting something, so I don't think I misunderstood. E.g., I don't refer to African Americans with the N-word when I'm discussing slavery.

In any case, I don't think anyone is offended by his use of the term here. In fact, AFAIK, it's not even considered that offensive---just a bit dated. I was just making an observation. Not accusing Chomsky of racism or anything.

[sn9]

It's not unusual to use "Negros" when referring to African-Americans in discussions of the Jim Crow era or slavery.

That might be a more fitting analogy than slurs.