Well I'm reading Black Hawk Down (written by an American) as they used the word in everyday speak without any racist connotations, I assumed it was used in the USA without being seen as racist.
in theory the word itself is the same as 'Turk'.
Maybe its different there and wasnt used in the same context in the UK, but if i was in the US(ive been many times especially VEGAS) ive never been called that over there or had any issues, but if it would annoy the hell out of me, and id probably be ready to lamp em.
No obviously that's a different situation and in terms of the law he's probably not doing anything wrong, but the assumption from those in Brixton is that he is being racist, by means of thinking he can get away with saying what he likes (so they are probably thinking he is being racist) and therefore he may have a case to answer for, depending on his motives.
Either way he's going to get a kicking.
That reminds me of White Men Can't Jump (I think) scene where Woody Harrilson walks with a sandwich board saying something derogatory against blacks (can't find the clip).
We're now a few weeks past Mr. Herbert's 20th November deadline. Anyone have any updates?