First of all, READ WHAT HE SAID AGAIN and you will see that Mr. Mayer was making a point which IN NO WAY reflects negatively on black people. Indeed, he was saying that a white person can in no way know what a person of color has been through or goes through for the sake of his race. Mr. Mayer is loved for his music and the direct way he says things in his music but for some reason, the media has chosen to crucify him for this same characteristic in his speech during an interview. There are derogatory ways to use the 'N' word and there are times when, as in this case, the 'N' word is used appropriately and it is within the context of said use that it is determined whether it is appropriate or negative. READ THE CONTEXT OF HIS ANSWER........GEEZ, WHENEVER THE 'N' WORD IS USED BY A WHITE PERSON, ALL LOGIC GOES OUT THE WINDOW AND REASONABLY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE JUST SUDDENLY SEE THE 'N' WORD AND NOTHING ELSE. Come on people, how many times has Puffy or Ice T used the 'N' word during interviews. What Mr. Mayer is experiencing is reverse racism. AND THAT'S CRAP!