This piece is a response to an incident on April 1, 2004, wherein Carnegie Mellon's school newpaper, The Tartan, ran a cartoon some found offensive. Media coverage is here and here. What follows is the explanatory text I displayed under the piece.
Nigger
Pronunciation: 'nigur
[n] (ethnic slur) offensive name for a Black person; "only a Black can call another Black a nigger"
"'Nigger' is considered almost always pejorative when used by non-Africans or those without dark skin, particularly white Europeans. However, some African Americans regularly use it almost as a term of endearment, as in 'What's up my nigger?' (or nigga). 'Nigger' is widely understood by African Americans to also mean, an ignorant (socially, or practically unknowledgeable) person, regardless of race. 'Nigga' as a term of endearment is even sometimes evident among the younger generations of whites, and other non-white minorities. It is worth noting that while the word has been partly 'reclaimed' by some young African Americans, others consider the term offensive in all contexts and do not agree that it is ever appropriate to use it. 'Nigga,' as opposed to 'Nigger' tends to more gender specific amongst African American youth, where 'Nigga' is used when referring to a Male. Females are rarely, if ever referred to as 'Nigga'" Amongst African Americans, as well as, when the term is directed from outside the group by non-blacks 'Nigger' is always derogatory, and offensive. 'Nigga' as stated above, is more of a term of endearment by the group only."
