Are people really being overly sensitive, or are you just being a jerk?

I never really noticed until I got to college just how many throw around slurs like they're adjectives, like they mean nothing. The most used of these slurs include n*gga/er, f*ggot and r*tard, but I hear others used as well.

I guess what I just don't understand is... why anyone would want to use these words in place for literally so many other words...

While perhaps to some of those who throw them around don't know the actual derogatory meaning behind them, there are others who either use them to purposefully hurt someone, or to describe something knowing the meaning but not caring. I'll admit, when I was younger I used a few of them from time to time, and I am sure all of us have. We are not perfect. But I learned the historical context, cut them out of my vocabulary, and have become aware of the harms that slurs bring.

Now, those who are directly affected by the slurs, like black people with n*gga and gay people with f*ggot, can reclaim these slurs. This means when an oppressed group takes back a derogatory slur used against them for their own use. The usage entirely depends on the person-- some people within the group may be uncomfortable using it for various reasons, and that is okay.

However, those who are not directly affected by a slur have no right to still be using these. I mean, come on. It's 2016. Grow the hell up and get a dictionary.

I can't speak over minorities, but I can speak up for them. Hearing people use slurs so casually sends shivers down my spine. It's so insensitive and hurtful.

Until you know the historical meaning behind each of these words, you never know just how immensely insensitive and cruel they are. Maybe they're just a string of letters to you, but they are a symbol of oppression to many, many others.

I cannot think of any kind of justification for those who use these words. If you're a white or any other race other than black person, you don't have the right to be saying n*gga. Not even in song. I don't care if your black friend "gave you permission" to use it. If they REALLY don't care, whatever, use it around them if you so badly need to. But don't go around saying it in normal conversation with everyone else.

If you're straight, don't go around saying f*ggot or describing things as gay (no, gay is not a slur, but people still use it with negative connotations). And don't give me that "it means a bundle of sticks" or whatever edgy reasoning you have behind it, we all know exactly what you mean when you use it.

Apply the same logic to every other slur.

If you aren't affected by the slur, don't use it. Use a different word in place that makes you sound less like an insensitive douchebag.

This isn't a political correctness problem. This is a being a decent human problem.