This comment by Pete on the post Do We Have to Be Offended By Everything
Something interesting in the article that no one has commented on is the assertion that someone being offended is our problem. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say if something I’ve said offends you then yes, it IS your problem, not mine. If you tell me you’re offended, I’ll consider what I’ve said, and consider your response. If I agree, I’ll apologise, if I don’t, tough shit.
Guess what? The freedom of speech does not mean you have a right not to be offended by what I say. If you find something I say offensive, let’s have a debate about it. Don’t expect me to just say “oh my, so sorry I offended you”. Being offended is a recreational past time in Australia nowadays and quite frankly, many of us are tired of it. So you’re offended, good for you.
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Question of the Day:
Should the sensitivities of some muzzle others who happen to be vocal, aggressive and offensive in what they say and how they say it?
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Freedom of speech and living in a free society demands that we both learn to communicate opposing views rationally and with grace as well as put up with people who do not know how to do it and are offensive. Speech is and should be protected except in specific case like the famous “falsely yelling fire in a crowded theater” (panic will cause injury and possibly death), inciting violence etc.