When people say something ignorant while trying to be educators what are they taking away from themselves?

it's just like the 2 answerers said before me,it could be both and it all depends upon the situation and also what was said. What also could be lost is the respectability of the person whom said such an ignorant thing,esp if it was racist. Although it may be forgiven by some others will hold it against you for a long time and everything you do or say from that point will be scrutinized or under observation.

It depends on the situation if they feel they were under attack then they probably attacked back without thinking not realizing the impact they had on other people.