That’s a bit different though. We don’t (generally) use “n-word” in place of the slur the way someone might type f!#k or say “frick” in place of “fuck.” We use it to talk about the term. So when someone is censoring themselves with replacement it can feel pointless, since the sentiment is the same: we both know what word you want to use to express yourself, just use it. When you use a censored alternative to a slur, you’re not just swapping one thing in for another leaving your meaning unchanged. You’re communicating an intention to avoid what you know to be a symbol of hate in a context that has no hateful intent.

Well, words like "fuck" or "shit" don't indicate harm and aren't supposed to offend people, so I think people should censor slurs but not swear words. Like, I'm autistic and feel kinda bad whenever I see the r-word being thrown around (I assume that some people have similar experiences with racial slurs), but I don't get the same feeling if someone says "fuck".

Ni!