Gosh I didn't expect to start anything more than a few smiles with this comment. I'm French, this is absolutely normal to say that where I'm from, and I can tell you that no German or Italian woman / man would take offense for what I said (angry Twitter mobs don't count ;)
I can't speak for Japanese people since I never met any.
I don't know if your reaction is representative of US culture, but having to tip toe around words and not say what you think doesn't scream free country to me.
> having to tip toe around words and not say what you think doesn't scream free country to me
Being from the US, and not being part of the vocal minority that reacts like this, I will agree with you that the last few years have increased the sense that we aren't really free to say things that deviate from the 'approved opinion'.
I can't speak for Japanese people since I never met any.
I don't know if your reaction is representative of US culture, but having to tip toe around words and not say what you think doesn't scream free country to me.