Sqad - "The whole thing is a set up...a publicity stunt and doesn't necessarily reflect public attitude or opinion to the issue."
It was a set-up, and I think it entirely shows the attitude of some, but by no means all - people.
My response is outlined in my response queuing at my local library to check out some books, waiting for an old lady to be served by an Asian librarian.
The woman turned to me and said, loudly - "And British people can't get jobs ..."
I replied - "This lady may very well be British, I don't know, but I do know that you are a disgusting racist and you should be utterly ashamed of yourself!"
The old woman walked off tutting, and the librarian thanked me for defending her.
I think it's appalling that anyone needs to be offended doing their job and going about their daily lives.
Free speech is a wonderful concept, but like most wonderful concepts, it has its share of abusers.
In the supermarket, I would have reacted strongly - very strongly indeed.