Prevent feeling offended...

Feeling offended:  Yes, I think it is preventable.  Read here for ideas. Of course it's nice for others to think outside themselves as well and at least try not to offend but, let's face it - you usually get what you are looking for and if you look to BE offended, you won't have any trouble finding it.  Here is an excerpt from the article in Mormon Times.

The Savior’s example teaches:

I believe one of the greatest lessons Jesus Christ taught us was how to handle mistreatment. No one was more mistreated than he was, and he showed us exactly how to handle offenses with compassion, love and wisdom.
He was accused of crimes he didn’t commit, and when his accusers were bearing false testimony against him, he didn’t defend himself. He knew it wouldn’t do any good because it wasn’t about him. He was there because of their fear.
He didn’t take the charges made against him personally. He didn’t get angry and fight back. He stayed calm and in trust with his Heavenly Father that the situation was perfect, even though it was horrible.
He didn’t look down on his accusers. He treated them with respect, even though they were wrong on every level.  He said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Think about what that statement really means in relation to the four steps.
The people who offend us are usually doing the best they can with what they know at the time. The problem is — just like the people who crucified our Lord — they don’t know very much. They are afraid, they are misinformed and they are just taking it out on you.

Being offended:  Now, for something I find offensive and damaging to all people, but especially young women (does this sound ironic?) read here.   It's about the offensive program, Skins.  I haven't seen it and it's unfortunate anyone has.  I know there is a movement that has caused a couple of sponsors to drop the program - good for them - but this goes beyond reasonable for regular programming.  I will not even consider Cable that includes MTV.