The word nigger is as insulting as calling a hamburger Spongebob. Think about it; if you take out a g, then all of a sudden you have a country. It's just another word used to tug at ones emotions (anger or hate) and therefore allowing the "offender" to gain power. The purpose of words like nigger, kike, chink, spic, cracker, cunt, fag, politician and free stater is to bypass logic and go straight to one's instinctive emotional reactions. It's clear that what some call offensive language is mostly used as an inadequate substitute for a way to express one's feelings. If your choices were boiled down to a someone calling you (pick your expletive) over someone getting ready to lynch you because of whatever perceived difference, which would you find poses a real legitimate threat.
I understand Ian's concerns that someone will come to the site and see "hate language" plastered all over might be offended. However, I would not go around labeling them trolls or anything else because, well, they might find those labels offensive (the irony is just too easy not to point out). If you are going to be a proponent of free speech, be consistent. I definitely like the idea that the person who started the thread should be able to ban whatever speech they find irrelevant at their own discretion. It's sort of like a writer who writes the first chapter of a book and asks others to contribute. The writer can then select from the respondents the chapters they feel are most appropriate for what it is they envisioned or find relevant.
Now, I can't say that I have never been offended by a curse word or "hate speech" because I'd be a liar. I'm still human apparently. And besides, I did go to government school (laugh stupid). To those who wish to continue continue using "hate speech" without a second thought, I implore you to give it a second thought before you do next time. Keep in mind that we are all still just human beings and emotions are still a very big part of our psyche.