Uses of Nigga (Pg 167)

The term "nigga" is normatively used among Black friends, rather than with Black and non-Black strangers. Everybody had their own [terms] in every race, something that they are allowed to call each other and not be disrespected... "The term also signifies close friendship, cultural awareness, or fearlessness (Smitherman 1994)." 

I personally do not like the term "nigga" or "nigger" and I would never use no matter who I am talking to or talking about. It is true what they say though, that every race has their own terms tha they identify with and does not disrespect them. For example mexicans call themselves beaners or asians may call say they are f.o.b's (fresh of the boat). I've noticed that Its okay for people within the same race to call each other by these names but if anyone outside of their race calls them that, they feel offended. The same way as if anyone who wasn't Black came up to a someone who was  and said "what up ma nigga?" The black guy or girl would probably give the person a very dirty look and not respond, however if someone from the same Black race said that they would probably give them a handshake and begin in some kind of conversation. It's something that we must all be aware of. We can't just go up to whoever we want and try to act in the same manner, because although we may say something or do something with good intentions, the others may not see it like that and they may take in the wrong way and get offended. How do you feel about the word nigga?