In a lot of places it's just an extremely rude word, nevermind racism. It doesn't always automatically imply that the user of the word is prejudice, it's just a really inappropriate word. I don't freak out if people use it, but people should really be more considerate of others' feelings. If the word offends people, is it so freaking difficult to just not say the word? Think before you speak, it's that simple. I get really sick of people complaining when they aren't allowed to curse whenever and wherever they want