The fact that you don't intrinsically get it actually backs up why you have upset so many people. You are unable to see how you sound to others, and how cold and superior you sound. You have stated your opinion in a "this is how it is and that's how it is" manner, with something that is controversial, and have not budged on your opinion at all. Hence people got upset over it. Even if you did not intend to come across that way, that's what happened, and the fact that most responded in a negative way validates the actions.
Again your intention doesn't change this. The group responded to it in a collective way, and therefore the groups opinion that you deserved a negative rep is validated.