An interesting discussion on the subject...

Charley Sheen is the only non minority who can say the N Word, period.

Im not even trying to be funny. it is every white kids dream to say the n word freely. I cant stand the white kids who already say it though. its like cmon your white thats a no

If my son was old enough to talk, I think I'd tell him:
1) For you? Never purposely "give" someone the keys to unlock your emotions, if you can help it. You a man. Things ain't gonna always go your way. You're a man so some people will seek your weakness with intentions of dominating or controlling you. It's just a word. Remember, you can't control who hands you an offense. But, you can control how YOU respond to it. Don't be a tool. Never expose your weaknesses to people you don't trust. And trust very few people.
2) For others? Different people respond to the word in different ways. If you go looking for trouble, YOU WILL FIND IT!!! Hot-headed people don't grow old often. Be passionate, but don't let other people control you so easily as to set you off a the sound of a word. Don't try to control other people that way either. Peace is just under love as the most desirable thing to have. Respect it, because there are those who do not know themselves and little is more dangerous than the companionship of fools.

You can't change anything if you can't first change yourself. That's my word.