well said, Amos.

I am a professional writer and very much against censorship of language because of who it might offend, but I am talking in a literary or critical context...

Someone's right to use offensive racial or sexist slurs in conversation stops at the point where they seem to be spewing hatred...whether at the person or persons who resemble their epithets (the niggers, faggots or gooks--sorry, trying to make a point here), or at those who, being compassionate and fair-minded human beings (not to mention mature and socially-adept human beings who realize that our differences are nothing to be afraid of), take offense that said bigot is promulgating hatred...not to mention ignorance.

Freedom of speech is a privilege, not a right. With privilege comes responsibility.