On the Mulatto Lunches Controversy

I personally believe that it is always a mistake to be offended by anything. Anything, but especially words chosen simply to convey information in a straightforward way.
It is always a mistake because it focuses the mind onto something other than finding a solution. Offense is to opposition what panic is to fear. It is always an irrational response. When dealing with an offended person, you are always at some level dealing with an angry animal. No matter how well thought out and intelligent their reasons for being offended, the reaction itself will always detract from the effectiveness of that person's opposition to the situation.

Notably, if your offense causes you to take issue with people who even you know don't hold the views you are opposed to, then it is pulling you away from the real battle.