What have folks been doing lately about the traditional songs in their repetoirs that contain derogatory (often racist) words? When I share songs with other students at my college they listen with new ears and respond to some things I don't notice or don't mind because I'm too used to them.

It's too easy for me to excuse myself by saying it's trad. I would like to acknowledge that the modern context I sing in influences how the content of the songs is understood. I don't like changing lyrics but I don't want to drop songs just for one incidental word.

Thoughts?