Well first of all, there is no such thing as "just words". Who here hasn't been hurt by the frank and perhaps unwelcome words of another?
I don't see the point in being hyper sensitive to what other people say, but certainly their is an accountability on both sides. Polite behavior is more than just action. It would be foolish to think that there is such a thing as polite behavior, but when it comes to your words, you can just say anything you want without consequence.
I think that is the ultimate extension of saying that profanity is in everyone's head and are "just words". Because profanity isn't just the words. I can say crap or crud instead and with tone and meaning, be just as offensive. I can be profane in my intent.
And from my point of view, almost always when someone says these words, they are using them to put down someone else or an idea of some kind. In the very least, it is often lazy. When of the reasons I hate profanity in movies is because it lacks imagination and creativity in writing.
Anyone can write a movie where every filler word and expressive word is the f bomb. It takes a more imaginative person to express emotion differently.
And last of all, I don't know why, but when I hear these words a lot, in real life or in a movie, I feel for lack of a better word, violated, like someone stole a part of my innocence. I don't know how to say it, I guess it is just a hollow feeling.
