Slut vs. Nigger - Can Offensive Terms Be Reclaimed?

Both words have a history of being used in a way that is highly derogatory, insulting and hurtful. Both words have been used for hundreds of years. (Dictionary.com shows "slut" originating around 1375-1425 A.D.) Both words have lately been subject to much discussion about whether it is right to reclaim the words and "own" them, or whether they should be abandoned altogether by people of all races and genders.

So, as a writer, and a human being, how do I decide the right way to go, both for for my characters, and myself?

Kevin Cato writes eloquently on the "N" word debate, as does April Rose Schneider.

Melanie Klein blogged about the "slut" controversy, and how her views of "reclaiming" words has evolved over the years, but in the end, she stands with SlutWalks.

So why am I comfortable using the word "slut," when I would never, ever, except in a discussion of this nature, use the "N" word?  (I really dislike hearing it, too, even in popular music.  And I had a very hard time getting through my last reread of Huckleberrry Finn, where it plays such a large part.)


Two brilliant, much missed men had something to say about the "N" word and context being everything:




One thing about which pretty much everyone agrees with Chris Rock, is that white people are not supposed to use the "N" word. (Whether it's acceptable for Hispanic, Asian, or Native Americans to do so - I'm not quite sure what their "code" is, according to Chris Rock. I'm thinking, probably not a good idea.)



To my way of thinking it's the idea that some people can use it in any context, while others had damn well better not, that makes the difference. This makes the "N" word reclamation FAIL. If this word still has power to hurt and offend, in any context... then it still has power.

Whereas, frankly, I don't care if you call me a slut. I don't care if it comes from a man, woman or child, from the President of the United States or the homeless guy asking for a buck next to Seven-Eleven.  You can shout it at me from a pulpit or whisper it in my ear, same difference.

I might take offense at your tone, but the word itself?  Doesn't bother me.

Slut slut slut slut slut. I have decided that this label has nothing to do with who I am as a person, but everything to do with the perceptions (or misperceptions) of the person using the word. It has no power over me whatsoever.

As "slut" is being used by SlutWalk, it is in the context that nobody - not even a "slut" - deserves to be sexually assaulted.  And if assaulted, no victim deserves to be blamed for the attack. 

The fact that the word slut helps draw people's attention, offers some shock value, is a bonus. It brings extra attention to a cause that nobody (except a rapist) can possibly dispute is important, a cause that we want people to sit up and notice.

How do you feel about these words?
Is okay, even necessary, to use the "N" word in a novel set back a hundred years, or...?
How about using it as part of dialogue for an urban rapper? 
Is that too contrived if you do, or too artificial an omission if you don't?