Is the "N-word" really a bad word?

Words often go far beyond their traditional meaning. Whilst the dictionary definition may seem harmless its use has been charged with prejudiced attitudes. It was used as a way to demean and dehumanize black people so the connotation is one that brings up a hurtful history. The African-American community has however attempted to reclaim the word by changing the connotation from a negative one to a positive one. There is huge debate about who can and cannot use it but ultimately people will use whatever language they please. It's just important to remember the historical background that led to the contentious nature of the word.