There's a reason for that - among the leftist elite that dictates our politically correct mores, sodomites are now a very fashionable and influential minority.
However, just because one does not kowtow to the sensibilities of the self-styled leftist elite it does not mean that one is a "bigot" or causing offense to rational people.
If you think that having sex with someone else's digestive tract is a laudable activity, then any turn of phrase which does not automatically genuflect to such bizarre tastes will probably be considered offensive by egomaniacs who believe that their ill-considered opinions are normative moral laws.
But that's faggots for you.
OK, you win. Derogatory terms are OK, you knuckledragging Neanderthal.
Your extensive vocabulary (i am envious as i wish i had such a command for language, but that is beside the point) does not distract from the inaccuracies and flaws of your arguments and assertions.
"Faggot" is not considered a derogatory term simply because the "self-styled left elite" has said so; it is considered derogatory because it is often used to degrade and disparage homosexuals and their sexual preferences, etc. Certain words are deemed offensive or derogatory when the emotions or feelings behind them are intensely hateful or negative-- "rookie", "southpaw", and other examples you listed, though inherently negative, do not have histories associated with violence, defamation, oppression, hatred, and bigotry. "faggot", on the other hand, does.
by associating "faggot" with "nigger", trippin was not stating or even implying that a type of sexual behavior or lifestyle is synonymous with someone's ethnicity.
you may very well disagree; however, if you are able to see why "nigger" is considered such an offensive word, i don't understand why "faggot" would not be put in the same category. furthermore, all of those who consider the word "faggot" to be politically incorrect, offensive, or simply inappropriate do not necessarily feel this way because homosexuality has become a "hot topic" in popular culture. compassion and sensitivity play a much larger role-- this point is evidenced by the fact that "faggot" was considered offensive and derogatory far before homosexuality seemed to become "fashionable" phenomena to some. many are against usage of the word simply because it they have compassion for those who are offended or hurt by the word. simple as that.