Writing: Be a Lion; Not a Lamb.

I am someone who is quick to apologize. 
If I bump into someone, if I am standing in their way, forget to hold the door for them, etc. I am very quick to apologize. In fact, I apologize so much that my wife has repeatedly told me to stop apologizing so much. Apparently, it isn't necessary to apologize for not doing something before people ask you to do it. who knew...
I have since been working on my overuse of the words "I'm sorry", and I have found that writing stories has been helpful.
When you write a story, you want it to say something. You want it to send a message. Whether it is as simple as good vs. evil, or something as complex as political idealism, you want your story to send a message.
Unfortunately, at least for me, your message will never take shape if you are too busy worrying about possibly offending members of your audience.
J.K. Rowling had people burning her books. Suzanne Collins met opponents her violent themes when crossed with adolescents. Stephanie Meyer deserves every bit of criticism that she recieves. Making sparkly vampires popular has been the bane of our society.
You see... she doesn't care that she offended me with the Twilight series.
Whether it is the message, the elements, or minor themes; you are going to have critics... maybe even insulting, childish little toads who can't separate you from your story.
To create your best story, you need to put your critics out of your mind and write. Write in a manner that is true to yourself, honest, and gritty. In your first draft, don't pull a single punch. Hit, and hit again. If it is too harsh, you can always downplay in your edit if you have to.
If you are like me, and you apologize way too much, here are a couple of thoughts to help you write your true story.
1. Unapologetic Bravado is Popular.
In our culture, everything from our leaders to our viral videos celebrates those who will make a statement and then stick to their guns. Whether they are sticking up for what is right, or just digging themselves into a deeper hole, those who fight for their beliefs are admired and hated, but they are talked about. Talked about a lot.
So, if you struggle to say the cutting things, even if you believe strongly in them, don't worry. Your story will be better if you can even fake an unapologetic stance.
2. Weak-Willed Characters are Boring.
Imagine if Harry Potter apologized every time he did something wrong. Imagine if Katniss Everdeen doubted herself so much that she let Alma Coin have things her way. The stories would have been horrible. We wouldn't have cared enough about the main characters.
I am not saying that weak-willed people are boring, but characters are different. We can think we know a character, but we are only shown a limited amount about them, and they are in very specific situations. There is not enough room in a book to make a weak-willed main character interesting. 
At the end of the day, your character has to have a spine at some point in your book. Even if they are acting against their instincts, they have to be able to stand up for themselves. Do it for your book.
3. Think About Your Message.
When you write, think about your message. Don't think about how people will view your book when you are writing. Think about the message. You and your story will be far more interesting to both your fans and critics.
You know the saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Ignore it. At least when you write. A book is not a dinner party.

If you don't want to offend anybody, don't write a book. Make cat posters or something.
The bottom line is this: when you write, do it for you at first. You write the message that you want to tell. Once you have your message, then you gear it toward your audience. 
You need to be sure to make sure your reasons for your story are well thought out, but don't soften your message for a critic.
Keep writing!