N-word ban. Is it really necessary?

Do we really need this? I haven't heard anybody use this term for years, except for black people. From the article:

There is a difference, said Leonard Young, 19, of Fort Washington: Racists end the word with an "er," African Americans end it with an "a."

"I don't think it's offensive," said Young, a black computer science major at Prince George's Community College. "It hasn't been offensive since slavery. It's only offensive when people of other races use it."

First of all, if a person wishes to use that word -- any word -- he has every right. It's called the First Amendment or Free Speech. Nobody has to listen.

Second, why is it that black people can say it but not others? What's right with that? By this reasoning, an equally offensive "cracker" or "Okie" can only be uttered by whites, right? If I hear a black person say "Okie," can I have him arrested for hurting my feelings or for having offended me and my ancestors?

Why the double-standard?

Why can't we just stop using the offensive terms as civilized human beings with concern for our brethren (all people)? If you choose to use the term, you've chosen to get your butt kicked by the fellow you called it. It's your choice.

WP: Movement spreads against ‘n-word’ - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

Even furniture is weighing in on racial slurs

Don Imus is not to be outdone by Chinese sofas. No, sir. This couch almost blurts out the "n-word" when you try to sit on it. If you're a "person of color" (as if I'm not -- I must be clear), you cannot possibly ever sit down again if you bought this sofa.

I guess people really ought to read the label before they buy something. RTFL, rather than RTFM (as in, Read the Friggin' Label). From the idiot, who now has a lawyer and is suing, um, the sofa?:

They should know what they are typing, even if it is a software error," she said. "In order for something to come into the country, don't they read it first? Doesn't the manufacturer? The supplier?

This lady is a pain in the arse. Maybe she doesn't deserve a sofa.

"Something more has to be done. We don't just need a personal apology, but someone needs to own up to where these labels were made, and someone needs to apologize to all people of color," Moore said. "I had friends over from St. Lucia yesterday and they wouldn't sit on the couch."

Digg's comments are hilarious. Check them out here.

Chinese translation error blamed for slur on sofa label - CNN.com