[stormhill]

relieved of his command over his use of a racial slur

That's an outrageous lie; he didn't use a racial slur, he was teaching his subordinates it was inappropriate to use the term.
Using expressions like "a-word" "b-word" "c-word" has a destructive effect on the cohesiveness of our society; this is how we talk to children and now we're talking to each other that way; we are infantilizing the culture and making clear communication impossible.

At this point, we merely pay lip service to a freedom of speech that no longer exists.

[oldplayer]

I never said the word my entire life until the last few years. I refuse to be cowed and I HAVE used in in contexts similar to Neary’s. (but usually in less academic contexts).

Mario Savio, where are you now?

[alexander_busek]

Using expressions like "a-word" "b-word" "c-word" has a destructive effect on the cohesiveness of our society; this is how we talk to children and now we're talking to each other that way; we are infantilizing the culture and making clear communication impossible.

Couldn't agree more!

Have been abroad for the last 40 years, so didn't experience this development first hand - but if I ever had good cause to use any such words - for example: in order to DECRY their casual use - I would do so (unless children were present).

Regards,

[Dr. Franklin]

That's an outrageous lie; he didn't use a racial slur, he was teaching his subordinates it was inappropriate to use the term.

The problem with everyone getting offended when someone who isn't black uses the word, is that 1)speaking the word is not the same as calling someone that, AND 2) not all usages of the word are racial. From the online Mirriam-Webster dictionary definition:
" a member of a class or group of people who are systematically subjected to discrimination and unfair treatment"
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nigger

At this point, we merely pay lip service to a freedom of speech that no longer exists.

Well, hey, if we can't talk about the stolen election, then what can we talk about. All of this is a distraction to divide and conquer the masses. Smart people of color should wise up, and speak out about that.