The Tally – A Comparison of How Far We’ve Come

Blazing Saddles – Comedy, 1974
“…uses the ethnic slur “nigger” 17 times (usually used by whites)…”
-from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blazing_Saddles

Tropic Thunder – Comedy, 2008
“Number of repetitions of the word “nigger”: Once, said by a black character criticizing a character pretending to be black.”

“Number of repetitions of the word “retard” or its variations: At least 16 in the “full retard” scene alone, not counting the uses of words like “idiot,” “moron,” “moronical,” “imbecile,” “stupid,” “dumb” and “the dumbest M*****F***** that ever lived.” All are used to describe the character of Simple Jack, who is described in an introductory segment as a “mentally impaired farm hand who can talk to animals.” 
– from: http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/08/just-the-facts-tropic-thunder/

Would a movie groomed to be a blockbuster in 2008 using the N-Word 17 times cause controversy? Would it spark protests? Would it be a blockbuster?

Why is one slur more acceptable than another?

It’s not about being politically correct.

It’s about respect.