My mother did. Long before the homosexual "movement" had any type of traction, the use of "faggot" was considered taboo. We may not have known any, and no one might have admitted to being one, but using the word in school or church or in fron of your parents was a no-no.
As far as them being fighting words? Well maybe the N word but the F's (not homosexuals) weren't much for fighting.
You stereotype grandly.
The point is that the words are meant to insult. I may turn the other cheek if you refer to me as a drunken mick mackeral slapper, but the intention to insult is clear.
So the point becomes, is it useful to the political movement of the right to go out of its way to use insulting words, words that society considers taboo? You may not like homosexuals, but if they are going to support our candidates for fiscal or other reasons, why get them riled up? Why purposely limit your appeal to others by acting like a rube?
Politics is about persuading people to join you.
Marketing is about persuading people to join you. Marketing is used in politics. Your mom is a fine woman for teaching you what she did. I try to teach my kids the same thing.
Problem is that politics is not an arena for gentlepeople. I'm not sure if it ever was?
Let's see, so far you inferred that I'm vulgar, a cretin and a rube and I stereotype?