White people asking if it was "OK" for Obama to use the n-word proves a point.

[stevenleser]

2. I don't know why this is so complicated for some folks.

Jackie Mason could tell Jewish jokes because he was Jewish. A non-Jewish person saying many of the same jokes would be considered offensive and potentially an antisemite.

Chris Rock and other African American comedians can use the 'N' word and opine on the black community in ways that if a white person did it would be offensive and likely considered racist.

And by the way, not all Jews and African Americans appreciate(d) Jackie Mason and Chris Rock's humor.

This isn't hard. People are allowed to make fun of themselves and their groups in ways that are not appropriate for others.