... But this kind of imagery should not be censored or hidden away for the sake of respect...
Which is the crux of the matter. “Respect” is often used as just another PC straightjacket, like “bigotry,” “racism,” “misogyny,” a tool to anihilate political opponents. In certain countries, literally anihilate. You “disrespect” their royals, or religion, or even president, you go to jail, or worse. Even in this country, it is used in certain subcultures as a reason to shoot.
Respect is a voluntary act. Like love, it can not be demanded (well, should not).