the n-word

Check out this n-word article that I just read in Slate. I heard the n-word used in high school and I always felt that it was a degrading word. I have never agreed with the rap/hip-hoppers today using it in what seems like every song they produce (look up ja rule, he isn't afraid to use the word in his song names). It doesnt matter whether you end it with er or a it is still a dirty word.

Chuck D. of Public Enemy (who will also be serving as guest programmer on Trio this week) questions the efficacy of hip-hop attempts to re-appropriate the term: "Black people didn't invent 'nigger.' It was thrown at us, and us accepting it is like someone just catching garbage and lovin' it."