Animation Source Forums

OK, rules first.
*No flaming.
*No racial remarks unless you are stating an example or drawing a comparison.
*Please keep this a civilized discussion.

I recently got into a bit of a fix because I had made a statement that offended some people, despite my efforts to make it clear that I was not trying to discriminate against anyone. This brought to my mind a rather important question of balance. Yes, it is important not to offend people unneccessarily, but how far is too far?
To give an example, there is a library in the United States of America that refuses to display the American flag because it might offend somebody. But that same library has an "art" display in its lobby that... Well, let's just say a lot of parents must have stopped taking their kids through the lobby after it went up.
For another example, let's say I have a black wolf as the bad guy in one of my fanfics? Am I discriminating against African Americans? Certainly not. Some of my best friends are African Americans! In this situation, I would simply be using a classic image (the black night, the black dragon, etc.). Let's be honest, a black wolf generally looks more intimidating than a brown or white one.
So in conclusion, how much is too much? I agree that we should show respect for others, but how far do we go before it becomes overkill? And where is the line between being flexible and being ridiculous, as in the case of the no-flag library?
What do you think?

Just a question DT - what library is that? And just out of curiosity - what was the statement - just PM it to me if it's too... Inciting.

I don't remember where it was at, and my source is currently unavailable. Anyway, even if I remembered, I wouldn't risk advertising the place.
As for the statement, I'll PM you.

Thanks

You would be surprised how adept even children can be at jumping to conclusions. But in all fairness your point there is valid. Admittedly I added that largely as a precautionary point, since I do intend to use a black wolf as a villain in an upcoming story. The main point of this topic was intended to be the matter of the library, since that comes closest to the "misunderstanding" that prompted me to set up this topic.