tone-deaf

The literal meaning of this is that a person cannot distinguish pitches and sings very much out of tune.  A tone-deaf person is unwelcome in a choir.  But it now has a metaphorical meaning.  In this society where we are now so attuned to the various isms, so careful not to offend others, there are still those people who have not adjusted to the change in our attitudes and communications.  They will say things that used to be thought okay, but which are now regarded as being racist, sexist, ageist, etc.  They have no sense of the effect that this way of speaking is having on others and are surprised by the anger that is generated by their remarks.  This is especially an issue in a world where communications travel so widely and so quickly.  There are many instances of politicians being hauled over the coals for being tone-deaf but also there are apologies from people appearing in the media who make an impromptu remark that they regret the next day.

The latest instance of tone-deafness was the message on social media from a rich person sheltering from COVID-19 on a luxury yacht, exhorting the rest of the world to stay safe.