Uber-rant: Has the word "nigger" got you down?

 - Brian

So I finally set aside some time to pay attention to this whole Michael Richards controversy. If you were like me a week ago, then you probably don't know what I'm referring to.
Michael Richards is a comedian (or was before his comedic career was obliterated by the controversy) who had a total mental breakdown while performing at the Laugh Factory in LA. In the middle of his stand-up act, some black guys made an interrupting comment or two. At this, Michael Richards gave the most profound come-back in comedic history: He allegedly called them a bunch of niggers (among other things). Oh, and by the way, it wasn't exactly alleged, seeing as how there's a video of it.

As a result of Richards outbreak, the owner of the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood is planning on fining comedians who use the world "nigger" while performing there. No, not just white guys, but black guys as well. He's trying to get everyone to stop saying "nigger" at his comedy club. What a Jew!
FINING FOR SAYING NIGGER?? It's a comedy club for God's sake! The whole point of comedy clubs is to let people say and hear things they usually wouldn't in normal society!

Which brings me to this: The word "nigger". I think we all know where "nigger" originated from, and it's a touchy subject. However, the past few decades have found a new use for the word. People in the black community use it as among themselves as a sign of companionship and unity. Face it, the "N" word has lost most of it's negative meaning.

However, "nigger" can be used as both a sign of unity or a derogatory term. The word by itself isn't hateful, it's how people use it that's hateful. There's a big difference between a couple of pals greeting each other with "nigger," and some inbred mental midget using it in a derogatory context.

Now that we have that settled, I don't think it's right for the owner of Laugh Factory to charge comedians to use "nigger." His reasoning for doing so that "it's offensive to much of our audience." Two words: Bull Sh*t. Over the past few decades, famous black comedians (Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle and Cat Williams to name very few) have been using it in their routines, and no one seems to mind (even some white guys have gotten away with!).

So here's some concluding questions: Do you think that the owner of Laugh Factory should fine comedians for saying nigger? Do you find the "N" word offensive? If so, why?