The n-word is often used in everyday conversation, yet the debate over the word's true meaning is much more complex than black and white.

Last night, in honor of Black History Month, Sigma Gamma Rho sorority facilitated a discussion about the usage of the n-word, inspired by the book Why Do African Americans Call Themselves The "N" Word? by Samuel Taylor.

The difference between the words "n - - - er" and "n - - ga" fueled the 90-minute discussion.

Many people who attended the event said there is oppression and pain associated with the word "n - - - er." Conversely, the word "n - - ga" is used to express brotherhood within the black community without the negative stigma.

The n-word also caused a dispute in New York City yesterday when the City Council's symbolically banned the word from the vocabulary of all races. New York's resolution will not be enforced and merely calls on residents to stop using the slur.

"People are using it out of context," Leroy Comrie, a black city councilman who sponsored the unanimously passed measure, told The Associated Press. "People are also denigrating themselves by using the word, and disrespecting their history."

Some involved in the discussion last night said using the n-word can lead to misconceptions, especially outside of the black community. Furthermore, the group debated whether it is possible to transform the n-word into something positive, or if it could be replaced by terms such as "brother" or "friend."

Some participants said that the word is embedded in urban, innercity culture and is only as big as society makes it. Others argued society may suffer from "n-word syndrome" -- an overuse of the slur, which leads people to believe its use is acceptable.

"I think it was very thought provoking," Morgan Clark (freshman-journalism) said. "I will go home thinking more about the topic and probably read the book.

The program included a skit from Chappelle's Show to show how the media influences the use of the n-word in society, as youths learn more from MTV and BET than history textbooks.

Like the debate over the n-word, blacks are often divided on how they view people within their race. Judgement based on shades of blackness that dates back to times of slavery is still prevalent. Blacks who have attained high achievement are also judged. Oprah Winfrey and Colin Powell are examples of blacks seen by some as sellouts within the black community.

Another controversial topic was whether the black community's slow advancement in society is because of unequal opportunities or laziness. Many believe that even with obstacles, one must be willing to work to get what they want rather than rely on excuses.

"I think the program was a success and a lot of my friends use the n-word so I feel really passionate about it. It was a really good opportunity to discuss it with our peers," Shandell Posey, Sigma Gamma Rho service and philanthropy chairwoman, said.

Because President Dana Taylor-Hart, Vice President Endeara Campbell, Secretary Alexis Augustin and Posey, work as leaders on campus, they are viewed as an important aspect of Penn State's greek community.

The sorority wanted all races to benefit from the program, but the majority of people in attendance were black.

"I think it was a good thing we did this. I was hoping more races would have come to the forum, since the purpose was to raise awareness," Jennifer Mosquera (junior- supply chain management) said. "But I liked the discussion and how it went. It was great."

The Associated Press contributed to this article.