Yeah maybe but so is cracker or honky or gringo. To be honest I don't think I've heard the n-word in public in over 20 years. Thing is people just like to get offended. I've seen people take offense at 'negro' and 'black' as well. i'm not interested in calling someone who's never been to Africa and African American. That's total nonsense unless they are willing to take on the low IQ and backward culture that implies.