Absolutely, Agnes, It’s a simple yardstick if we offend. We should respect another person’s sensitivity. To compound it by denying or diminishing how they feel with, It’s just a Joke” is highly insensitive and shows a lack of empathy.

Perfect timing — thank you. Your words have helped inspire a story I am writing about an old saying. I won’t say what it is yet as I still deciding where to go with it, but it is along the lines of how our words matter.