I agree with Oprah's stand that nobody should be using this word. So long as many do (especially in pop culture) then an attitude of absolute zero tolerance for some will give the word power for those allowed to say it.

@rainmanjr I quit caring long ago about whatever Oprah had to say. She is just another rich black person who is only looking out for themselves and sold out most of their race long ago, same as the Obamas..

@TomMcGiverin She's black and I share her opinion for the word.

A good deal of our population became acclimated to ways of thinking and it’s impractical to think them likely to change. That’s what time, and only time, does. This time we’re unlikely to survive for much longer so might learn the lesson too late.