Who ever made the "N" word cool?

I am not trying to start anything with what I am about to say. But, it aggravates me quite a bit when I see people using the "N" word. Especially since the word is offensive to people. I do not understand how a person can say say that they find it offensive, then turn around and call their friend by the same word. I do not understand how it differs in meaning. I think that the word needs to be thrown away altogether. And, while we are on the subject of degrading words, just so I can kind of compare it to something, the "B" word is the same way. When a girl proudly claims that she is one, I always wonder how someone could be proud of that.

I couldn't agree more. I think it is terrible no matter who uses it. African Americans get offended when someone of a different culture and background uses it and says it is prejiduce, however it is used back and forth on a daily basis between African Americans. Why is that, does it make it ok, for them but not others? In my opinion it should be used by noone, ever! It is derogatory and a disgrace. Rappers who are African American descent also use that word and refer to their own race in that manner. It should be stopped because it sends out a negative message to everyone.