that those who are offended might not be justified in feeling that way

what's stupid is that we've stalled out so much on progress with things like relating to people with physical or intellectual differences that people have to keep inventing new labels to try to stay ahead of negative connotations and prejudice, and we keep applying the same baggage to new words.

language is going to change regardless. the evolution of other nouns and adjectives isn't loaded, and we don't discuss that as "p.c." so words changing and people having to keep up isn't the problem. we don't wring our hands at the changing popularity of children's names.

we keep up with new slang and new media trends. but it's too much to recognize that there are some *SLIGHT* differences between the 70s/80s and today in what kind of language is likely to be considered offensive? it ain't really all that hard.

politeness and consideration really are the issues here.