They absolutely cannot and should not. The use of the word is just another thing Latinos dikk rode. We such a loving and inclusive people that we allowed this to happen and too chicken shyt of cowards to reverse this trend. We all know where the word comes from and who it was meant for and it's destructive purpose. It's purpose was to label us in a negative way, name call and degrade us so badly that its embedded in our subconscious despite "others" saying its being used in a non racist or negative way. It's not a word to uplift my people but a word to negatively label us. Listen, if you have black kids going to school and to stores and they witness others, especially Latinos using the word blatantly because it does not effect them or their people but use it because it sounds cool or is cool or whatever then it's a problem. Ask a 6 year old of any race to pick a nikka out in a line up and I bet they wouldn't be picking a Latino out. In fact a Latino wouldn't pick himself out because he/she knows the word ain't for them. Let the word spic or wet back or some other derogatory term for latinos be mainstream and they would be up in arms literally and would not allow that shyt to fester and grow in their communities. Words have power and despite what you people may THINK OR BELIEVE others using the word nikka is only doing harm.
On a side note, outside of the coli I have never used a derogatory term for latinos, not because it's not mainstream but I don't perpetuate the evil the Whiteman has taught. Only white people label other people and belittle others to make themselves seem strong, potent and powerful when really and factually they are not.
@Raul you already know what it is, big up yaself, much respect