I think that Richard Pryor summarized it very well. He said that he had often used that word with friends, associates, etc. However, after a trip to Africa, he got up on stage and admitted that he was now ashamed with how casually he had used it. He vowed he would never use it again.

I find it to be demeaning, I don't care who says it. If I greeted my other Italian-American friends, with "What's up, my dago-wop?", wouldn't that be demeaning? Blacks not only fought but died in the battle to eliminate the sentiments that went with that word, so why use it now?? Personally, I don't get it.

I would never, ever use that word, and I would never, ever allow it's use in my presence, just as I would never subscribe to any such slur. They put a person front and center as incredibly ignorant and small-minded. I hope I never come across as such.