Dunno if they're scared.. maybe they just realize it's a racially charged word that carries negative connotations? And you know.. have the sense to not scream it at the top of their lungs in order to exercise free speech?

Something I heard the other day..

"Freedom of speech doesn't excuse being rude." 

 It's about being mentally trapped in a prison or being free. Saying the word nigger does not mean you have hate in your heart. Otherwise all black people would be considered hateful 

 Yeah good point. There are varying levels of freedom though I guess within "society".

In reality though there is only freedom or not.