Oh, Padre, of course its offensive, at least in polite society, if not on the playground. However, hearing politicians feign offense at name calling reminds me of "Me thinks thou protesteth too much".
I think that reducing the word to "f" word in the same way we reduce another to "the N word" is entirely new to me. The word faggot has surely not reached that same level.
I guarantee you that the young I know (nor anyone anymore) uses the "N" word.
Lots of folks use "faggot" all the time....especially the young. And, as I said, a faggot is a "flaming gay," the mind-boggling effeminate kind.
Agreed. I would not expect our nominee to talk like this, nor a dinnerparty conservative like George Will. That's why we have a designated hitter on the team. After the leadoff men have done their thing, Ann can come up and swing for the fence. They have their role, and persona to match, and she has hers.
"Foul whisperings are abroad: unnatural deeds
Do breed unnatural troubles: infected minds
To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets"