Where you see malice and oppression, in this article, I see insensitivity and maybe a little ignorance.
There is a big difference between a dumb question, which I think her friend asked, and a personal attack; that difference is intent. Considering this was one of her "best friends," I really doubt that that was his goal here.
That's not to say she shouldn't have felt hurt -- a dumb question can still sting -- but please don't make this specific molehill into a mountain.