Meow Y'all,
Wow! I'm finding it kind of difficult to believe anyone with a minimum of education and life experience living in the 21st century thinks that they can use any racist-based folklore and justify co-opting it for the sake of historical accuracy, and then get shirty about being challenged for it. "Pickaninny" reeks of slavery, colonialism, death, misery, and racism, at the very least. If you didn't know this before, than you may want to know it now.

I am willing to admit that I am the pot calling the kettle black. I still cringe when I think of the ignorance with which I used to belt out some songs when I was young and callow. I was thick as a bag of hammers with some of the songs I joyfully and earnestly sang, convinced I was the absolute soul of authenticity and art. Why I didn't get whacked with a fish I have no idea.   

That said, maybe it all comes to a personal decision as to what consequences a person is willing to accept in return for historical accuracy in art in general and in music in particular. If you want to use the word which originated all of this discussion, or condone its use, be aware that in some places you will get applause, and in other places, you will get your ass kicked.

Ah, the price of truth.
Cheerio,
Owlkat