Sir, – John Power raises an interesting point on public apologies: silence may well be preferable to insincerity ("Australian journalist was right not to apologise over Irish joke", Opinion & Analysis, June 10th). What is important, however, is that people understand when they have been offensive. People can say anything but they should not be free from criticism for saying it – or any further consequences if it is abusive. There seems to be a notion that people are increasingly thin-skinned and are looking to be offended (often on behalf of others). While anything can be taken too far, it is dangerous to reject some concerns by default. These concerns are frequently raised by people from groups that society has traditionally silenced or derided, and by their supporters. This silencing and derision are often deeply embedded and need to be continually challenged for them to be exposed so that the immense damage can begin to be rectified. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN CLASBY,
Maynooth, Co Kildare.