i actually think having a poker face is valuable. if you just get offended at the first ignorant thing someone says, they will probably shut up. no. let them feel free to express themselves. really open the floodgates, let them say what they have to say. there is a slim chance they will redeem themselves and a really good chance they will reveal the full extent of bigot or creep or whatever they really are. why cut them off? it's much more valuable to give them (perhaps a false) sense of security and find out what they REALLY think.

that's actually my problem with this mass outlash against certain racist or sexist sins. it inhibits expression and understanding on both sides. i'd rather know just how much of an asshole someone is, personally.