[ Other - Society & Culture ] Open Question : If the British realize that 'fags' an incredibly derogatory word for homosexuals, then why continue to use it?

Are the British aware that 'fags' is a completely and unacceptably offensive word for homosexuals? If you came to the U.S., would you have any problem openly and publicly using the word simply because you are being defiant in your use of British English to mean something you believe is a harmless word for a cigarette? Considering how influential American English is around the world, it seems completely insensitive to continue to use that word when you could simply say a "cig" or just "cigarette" instead. To many Americans, you may as well be using the "n-word" as if you are talking about as harmless as a table. If you know you cause offense to some people by using that word, don't use it.