[dustmite]

Most people, particularly the black people that I have known, do not subscribe to that rule, I'm afraid.

I'd further point out that in her context the word was inoffensive. If people can not take things in context, then the people are playing their 'card'. Much like gay people that say they're being 'discriminated' against, or when men go 'that's sexist'... or what have you.

I live in a part of the country where things are taken in context, where if things are inoffensive you can say them. I particularly remember a large debate at school about that 'N' word in particular, which was taking place in the presence of a number of black people, all of whom found the discussion interesting to say the least - none of them claimed to be subjected to a racist slur against them. Discussion and debate are two vital things to reducing the problems that exist, people that decide you can't say things in any context are completely restricting the basic human right to both free speach and open discussions.

Whilst I am not saying racial slurs are fine, what I am saying is inviting debate about them is perfectly acceptable, and I am fairly certain that most people agree with me on that one.