Probably for exactly the same reason that you felt you had to type the ‘N word’ on here.
I can see why the word **** shouldn’t be used in a general conversation and wouldn’t use it myself, but the fact remains that is is a word that had been used throughout history and hasn’t disappeared from existence. In the correct context, there is no reason that 6 letters making up a word shouldn’t be typed. I hope that my use of the word within this paragraph isn’t cause for offence, as it was in a textual context only.
Whether or not is should be used in a book that was written when the word was socially acceptable (but not necessarily right) is a tricky one. In the context of keeping the text of the book historically accurate, then yes I believe it should, however I can see the argument for removing it, as it’s being used to describe a race of people in a derogatory manner – should this be allowed in current times?
I can see this post causing me some grief, as I’m not sure I’ve explained my point very well, but I’ll endeavour to explain should I need to.
A tricky one.