my friend said, "it is never, ever okay for white people to say (n-word)."

[loyalsister]

200. That's kind of tricky

I can see a possible literary "license." To remove language that reflects the culture of the eras of Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, or Uncle Tom's Cabin might be damaging to the material. But, I know a friend who chose to avoid those books until her grandchildren are adults in terms of her personal recommendations. How to communicate that it is so far beyond profanity- like fuck, etc. The understanding of the difference in hate speech may have to begin with other words? I know families who hav discouraged use of the word hate" in favor of dislike. I'm referencing the question related to children here, so consider context
We seem to have degrees of offensiveness that has been reflected in the media and entertainment. Fuck is worse than shit, which is worse than damn.

As for journalism, or to quote someone during everyday usage, I think that it is useful to be consistent in rejection of the 'n' word in current language. I heard a local black activist use "ngr" as an acronym instead of "the n word" as a stand in. It may flow with everyday language more naturally?

To add:
I" should mention that I have also been a part of a movement to eliminate the 'r' word..... more later.