I can appreciate MemphisJim's original point. And while I won't speak for Rich, I think by the olive branch he originally extended, he appreciates MemphisJim's opinion as well.
The only thing I could add to those that are offended, please understand the context.
Being of Scotch-Irish descent, it's not uncommon for me to bust a fellow Irishman or Scot's balls about being a drunk Mick or a "horny sheep-herder." It's done in the spirit of a laugh. A laugh at the stereotype as much as shock value. But all in good-natured fun.
If one were to start slinging around the same words in a hateful, mean-spirited nature at me, I'd get a little pissed, but people like ICE (Scottish) and VABills (Irish) do it in a friendly way, and I can appreciate the humor in that. And that, to me anyway, is the difference between laughing at racial sterotypes, and truly harmful (and oftentimes vulgar) racial slurs.
As a sidenote, what does it feel like to be offended? What is that? Personally, I think when some people say "I'm offended," what they really mean is "I find that vulgar or inappropriate." But offended? The only time I'd probably be offended if someone made rude and/or insensitive comments directed at my wife, my sister, or my deceased parents. And even then, I'd probably just roll my eyes and make a mental note on the character of the speaker. But offended? Naw, I don't think I can give someone that ignorant that much control over me- or my emotions...