We are far worse off because no one will print that damn word. Lots of racist or offensive words, and if they were part of a story they just printed it. Didn’t make the word any more polite but didn’t elevate it to some kind of taboo.
I recall this started with the OJ trial and the news wouldn’t repeat the word.
Concur. Talking about the word is not the same as using it on someone. We should not be afraid to discuss it.