H. Lewis Smith: Black America Under Siege: Without and Within
"Affectionate" users of the n-word claim that the manner in which they use the term defuses any of the heinous roots attached to the word. However, these same African Americans conveniently overlook the paradoxical circumstances when they also use the word derogatorily in a fit of rage; at these moments, the true sub-conscious understanding and definition of the word rises to the surface, with all of its hate, degradation, and disrespect attached in full blossom. By continually referring to self and one another as "n**ger," blacks are keeping the dream of the slave mentality alive and oppressing their own people.... African Americans must realize that not only do external forces work against the race, but their continued use of the n-word - the "inside man" - is attacking the African-American race from within.