Bans are handed out on first time offenses. "Oh, I think that's a personal attack." Ban. "Oh, that sounds racist, not sure if it is, but it is." Ban.
It's honestly the biggest drawback to this website and the only reason I've ever taken time off is the juvenile treatment users are subjected to.
Treat people like adults, and let them learn about your preferences through flagging or deletion. Putting them in timeout is very counter productive to engendering respect from other men.