Precisely because many younger whites hear the word in popular culture but haven't the slightest clue of the words historical context, they don't quite understand why it's derogatory.
Hard for them to understand when it is used so freely in the black culture. It is hard to understand why it is offensive when you hear many black people call each other that so-called "derogatory" word. It is in plenty of the rap songs, it is used in a lot of black comedians routines. It is even used in movies with black guys calling each other the name. It would be like me saying that cracker is offensive to me, but I go around calling all my white friends cracker. How can I be offended by a word I so freely throw around? Doesn't make much sense. I understand the context of the word and I know the negative aspects of the word. It is a word that is not allowed in my house. Growing up, I had to hear the word more than I care to admit to. What I don't understand is why the black community throws it around so freely, yet they claim to be offended by it if anyone else uses it. Kind of hypocritical. Seems to me if it offended you that much, you would do everything in your power to not use it. Maybe someone can enlighten me.