As a writer, I don't shy away from profanity. But that word is one that Black people my age worked very hard to eradicate - period. I respect them enough not to use it, and to respect a LITTLE LESS those who do.

As a woman, I don't hate "bitch" but I won't use the c-word. I might, in fiction - in dialogue - if that's the way a character approaches the world and women.

As I said, I use profanity in my writing, occasionally; I accept that some readers dislike that and respect me a LITTLE LESS for it.

Writing - no, sometimes just BEING - is an act of choice and courage. And the audience will always be the judge of us, fairly or unfairly. That's their choice, and we don't get a say.