Who gives words the power they have?

For your first of two papers, you will need to choose an offensive word. Using the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) and no other discuss how the word originated, where and how it was used and how it is used today. Make sure to trace its history and discuss how and why we find it offensive. Remember, some words are not as offensive as they once were and vice versa. 

You will need to write a 4-5 page, double spaced, Times New Roman, font 12 paper. It needs to include the origination of the word, the definition as it has changed through time, where and how it was used in old Literature as compared to today. You may use the Urban dictionary to help you with this part. You will need to have four sources, one of which must be the OED. It is important to see how words have changed over the years. Be prepared to discuss your word choice by Sept. 29th. The paper will be due Oct. 25th.