I think I was trying to draw a line that exists to me, at least, between something that is written *intentionally* to cause hurt, and something that - to the author - may not be offensive (rightly or wrongly)

Oh, there's a difference, absolutely. Anybody can unintentionally put their foot (or their pen, or keyboard) in it-I know I've done it in the past, and most probably will in the future, because life is a constant learning process.

It's when people are confronted about said unintentional hurt and, instead of a simple acknowledgement, apology, they proceed to justify and further offend when the 'unintentional' excuse doesn't hold anymore, and ignorance becomes bigotry.