re: Is there any link at all to the outsized "outrage" we see to any "offense"?

Being offended is the currency of the victim classes. Without grievance, they lose power. That is the only explanation for the large number of hoax cases of racism/anti-gayism, etc.

This is a conscious effort by some, but mostly a subconscious phenomenon.

When I was young, there were usually one or two “tattle-tale” kids in the class. Most kids handled the back and forth of insults and jockeying for social status, a quick laugh, a bit of power. But the tattle-tale kids got power from acting offended and running to the teacher.

I truly believe it’s the same instinct that has taken over the aggrieved victim classes of today. They don’t really possess the desire for improved conditions (equality). They’d hardly notice or recognize equality. They want and need the grievance, and will lie and exaggerate as needed to maintain it.