I never use the word nigger unless I'm discussing the word itself--for example in regards to news story about some idiot blasting it at a comedy club or after reading something by Twain. It isn't a word that should be used in common speech. Not by anyone. But it is still just a word, and there's nothing I hate more than hearing people say "the N-word" when discussing it. Grow some ****ing balls, cowards.