"Avoiding offense means that we don't accept each other as equals"

In this quote, Ayaan Hirsi Ali is recommending that by continuously trying to avoid angering others, we are not really accepting each other as equates to. By continuously tip-toeing around sensitive subjects and preventing any prospective offense, we are basically treating others as delicate and unable to deal with varying viewpoints or perspectives. This can develop an incorrect sense of equality, where everybody is anticipated to think and act the very same way in order to avoid causing offense. Nevertheless, true equality suggests accepting and appreciating each other's distinctions, even if they may be unpleasant or difficult. By avoiding offense, we are not genuinely welcoming diversity and the concept of equivalent treatment for all people.