One first has to understand what the parameters of being offensive are, certain cultures have their limits and use different means to offend their own kind or an unwanted foreigner. Ones inability in not liking to be an object of the offense should not limit that same person from being offensive given an opportune moment. He may be defending himself or not have another choice at his disposal. Even if he has a choice, or has acted abruptly,  we have to contend with the different levels of consciousness that exists in most societies where offensiveness is contentious.

  There has to be an understanding about what the rights people have to express themselves and how to react accordingly. This borders on knowing their basic freedoms. Given that one also should not be splitting hairs by stating what differentiating between the word offensive means and other words like disrespect which could involve an offensive ‘act’.

 Offensive behavior and disrespect go hand in hand but that does not mean that one cannot be offensive without having respect for an institution or cause. One is aware of cemeteries that have been desecrated by groups who  have offended their target and the action of disturbing the resting site of the diseased is considered a great lack of respect to the families concerned and to the society which has nurtured acceptance of different denominations within its midst.

We do not have to live our lives out of fear of expressing ourselves even though we might be hurting someone. There are several reasons for this: we may be acting out of perfect reason; the person who feels hurt may be abnormally sensitive to personal remarks regarding appearance for example, that others find perfectly normal. Given a low threshold of tolerance that has caused the reaction,then it is up to offended person to seek some advise or counseling if he cannot handle ridicule.