

You raise valid points, and context definitely matters, but I think when it comes to language it should be decided by the consensus within the minority it was originally used to describe.
For example, most of the disabled community agrees “r-tard” is offensive these days, so it’s use has gone down. Just like “gay” before it. And white folks still argue the n-word should be fine for everyone to use if they end it with an a.
I’m not saying minorities can’t reclaim words, and language definitely changes with time. But most women I interact with get uncomfortable when men around them say “bitch” routinely.






Many people refuse to acknowledge the nuance of language development. Especially when mixed with what is socially acceptable. Because that’d mean conceding they could be hurting people.
I’ll join you in the downvotes. You may be oversimplifying a bit too, but I see where you’re coming from.