When I was a senior in high school, my English teacher shared an op-ed she clipped from a newspaper entitled, “Please offend me, and allow me to offend you.”
The spirit of the class discussion focused on how important it was for you, me, and everybody else, to be able to say what was on our minds.
In order to create this environment, you and I would also need to be okay with being offended and dealing with the emotions that come with that.
The story becomes one of generosity and good faith. We would need to assume that the offending party isn’t intentionally trying to hurt or harm anyone. The offending party would also need to be able to apologize and clarify what they meant, and learn from their offense.
The decision is up to you: Who has earned and deserves this level of grace?