Perhaps because I'm not living in the USA and I'm not part of its culture, but to me it seems that there is a very big over sensitivity to anything politically incorrect.
Its a bit insidious because usually there is some merit to the complaint (as in this case, the variable name was a bit embarrassing and should have been changed with little more than a self-conscious chuckle) but thanks to the cult of PC, everyone over-reacts.
The situation is becoming ridiculous. Get over yourselves. The world does not revolve around you.
EDIT: parent formerly referenced the author of the article as "lady".