Hmmm, I think the n-word and violence are so synonymous in people's mind that they forget that they're different.

If I physically attacked you while telling you how wonderful I thought you were, would the attack be any less of a problem? Similarly, if you're being physically attacked, is your priority the mean words that accompany the violence?

If somebody physically attacks me I might feel fear, but that fear isn't related to the names they choose to call me.