It seems that as time goes by people are saying or doing things that are offensive and more and more people are offended.

The most glaring example, of course, is the Trent Lott debacle.
Many people were offended, but one person interviewed on ABC said he didn't think "racism" was a bad word.

Being offended is a very personal thing, though when many feel the same way it can grow into a movement.

Many times things have been posted here that are considered offensive.

Posting perceived "crimes" of Ronald Reagan.

Saying all Arabs are evil.

Dissenting opinions on whether God exists.

Posting quotes by "Famous Atheists".

Posting a poll about political parties which are exclusively American.

Saying George W. Bush is an idiot.

ETC.

Most threads are started here in the hope of finding others that share your views and to a lesser extent to find varying counter viewpoints that will help balance a persons own views. I don't think many people here set out to post to offend others.

I have felt offended many times in the past and have not handled it well here at times. Sometimes being offended is helpful...it builds character, perhaps.

But grandstanding at being offended to shore up a person's side of an argument is helpful to no one, if it is not fully truthful.

Your thoughts?

Mark

[Caveat: This is not a thread that points fingers at anyone. If anyone feels I am flaming them, I will say again, I mention no one by name. This a discussion not an Inquisition.]

[ 12-17-2002, 06:05 AM: Message edited by: skywalker ]

So I would guess that while you're not trying to flame anyone this is the point of your post? Who do you think isn't being fully truthful?

Just a hint for the future, go ahead and name names next time. Most people know who your talking about when you make these posts or could easily look in the threads to find out who you're targeting, so save those few, who would have to spend time looking them up, some trouble next time. I mean why bother with the "I'm not singling anyone out" approach when you most certainly are..lol.

Mark this isn't a flame or anything, but IMHO, you seem to be the most "offended" person on this board. You seldom debate the issues anymore but always seem ready to jump into a discussion thread to point out when someone else is being "offensive". As I've pointed out in one of the threads you mentioned, you seem much more willing to point out the errors of those who oppose your general viewpoint than pointing out the errors of all.

Selective enforcement can be offensive, too. ;)

[ 12-16-2002, 07:42 AM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

Well, Ronn...while I see your point, I have to admit that if I were being mocked in the manner Mark was, I'd be offended, too.

Edit: And just for the record - I'm Switzerland in all this. I'm not taking sides.

[ 12-16-2002, 07:04 AM: Message edited by: DragonMage ]

It seems the phrase "I´m not offending anyone" ensures that a lot of people becomes offended. Maybe we should write I am trying to offend everyone to get an adverse reaction? LLAO! :D

Let's take the personal gripes to pm, people.

Mark, your first few sentences are fine for general discussion, but the rest of the post appears to be a vague refererence to disagreements from various threads you've been in. That is really a subject for private email/pm to those you have the issues with, preferably at the time you find yourself feeling offended, but if the issue still bothers you, by all means contact those you are concerned about and discuss it there. This kind of "I'm not pointing a finger, but...." is likely to end in some flames if continued, if only because someone thinks you mean him/her, when you don't.

Again, the first part of your thread seems to be a general discussion topic and if you want to continue on that line, go right ahead.

General Note for everyone: Remember, if you have problems with an individual or individuals, pm or email is where it goes.

<font color="white">My caveat to everyone else, *don't assume you are being targeted here and keep to the general discussion subject as opposed to the personal inferences, ie: the idea that society or US society is growing more easily offended*. </font>

3 of the 6 examples are ones that in threads I have posted myself. If people want to know who said what from my examples, they can search for them. That is not the point of the examples. It just shows there are issues that some of us find offensive. This is not an Inquisition by me.

I also stated:
I believe I am as thin skinned as anyone.

And I never said anyone was untruthful. I said that grandstanding at being offended is helpful to no one "if" it is not fully truthful. Never intimated that anyone here does that, but many Politicians do just that.

Hope this is a little clearer.

Mark

[ 12-16-2002, 08:04 AM: Message edited by: skywalker ]

Oh, I agree about the politicians! I've seen some take a stand then find that they aren't in the majority or their own party isn't happy with their public comments and suddenly they do a 180 and are taking another stand, completely opposite the one they had earlier! Crazy stuff, politics!

Here's a little reality check for everyone - pretend you're all sitting around a table discussing whatever you're discussing, in real life - at a pub or something. I think you'll find that manners and communication will suddenly become a lot better from all concerned, whether you initiated an offensive topic, or found another topic offensive. In real life people seem to have this amazing talent for either agreeing to disagree, not arguing till the cows come home, and generally being able to self-moderate their discussions. It's amazing what the anonymity of the internet does to make people act in ways that they wouldn't do if they were face-to-face with others. ;)

And if you act like an arrogant ass in real life, and you can't resolve your difference of opinion with another person in a rational, civilized manner, well, that's why they have bouncers at pubs, eh. ;)

Just some food for thought. :D

[ 12-16-2002, 09:08 AM: Message edited by: Memnoch ]

So that's why I keep getting thrown out of pubs. Thanks for the headsup Memsy. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

*runs before the Genie-boy starts laying the smack down on him*

Erm...on the topic at hand(and so I dont get accused of [img]graemlins/spam2.gif[/img] ing up Marks' thread...) I *do* believe that people seem to be becoming more and more thin-skinned. I see it constantly, on message boards, in the newspaper, in person...IMO people are just too damn namby-pamby lately. There seem to be people out there who's entire reason for living is to sit around and read the newspaper, watch tv, surf the net, etc, with the sole purpose of being offended. And then, when they (inevitably) *do* get offended, they sue someone, or start a hate mail campaign, or a website, or an 'action group'. BLARG!! [img]tongue.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/biglaugh.gif[/img] [img]tongue.gif[/img]

I mean, get a life folks...there's more to this existance than sitting around waiting for someone to poke you in the nose. The problem with that type of thinking is...if you continue to invite people to do it...eventually, someone will. :D

tosses [img]graemlins/twocents.gif[/img] on the table and wanders out to watch the snow fall. :D

[img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] good post! I have noticed this in many places too. I have also noticed that people don't seem to look where they are walking or driving as much as they used to (seriously) - could the two be connected - perhaps by something like a growing 'global self centredness'?

Riiiight ;) :D

EDIT FOR EXTRA SMILIE.

[ 12-16-2002, 10:19 AM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

I have to say that your observation is a correct one Mark and the rest of y'all(yes I said y'all) people nowadays seem to get offended at the most innocent of thing's. The other night at school for example, being surrounded by teenagers mind you, I was a bit tired after putting in 12 hours already and having another 4 to go before I got home, I was zoned out and staring in this one fellows direction when suddenly he got an attitude about me staring at his "space" I mean for crying out loud his space encompassed the back half of the classroom. He even got up and started to make threatening gestures. I was flabergasted by this it even took a me a moment to collect my thought's about what to say or do. This just an example of rudeness in some people, I will not get into the particulars of what happend after this but it was rather funny and I didnt even have to say a word other then listen to what your girlfriend has to say. It was rather nice.. He had no respect for anyone but his girlfriend which is silly if you think about it. hmm ah well I think I have shot off my original topic. heh

I am as retarded as retarded is so nothing offends me apart from stupid head

<font color="#ff00cc">I am offended at everyone being so offended, it is offensive to be offended by offenders being defensive while trying to be offensive when they are actually being silly! </font>

Might I suggest that if you can't bear other peoples opinions and beliefs that you try to saty out of such conversasions... I mean I stay out of them because they bore me, but if you go there just to get offended you reeeeally need a new hobby... [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color="#ff00cc">For the record, I think the only thing Lott is guilty of is being stupid, or at least not thinking about what he was saying. His voting record on equal rights issues is as good as or better than some democrats if you look at their whole carreers ***cough***Dixicrats***cough***</font>

There is a lot that can be said for "Lurking" on a forum! ;)

Mark

Isn't this the pot calling the kettle black Mark? hmmmm? ;) Isn't this post exactly what you're criticising? :D The snake is biting it's own tail!!

Yorick, take that to pm, if you wish to discuss it. Thanks!

Yes it is Yorick.

I've stated in this thread I am guilty of it. I am not accusing anyone of anything. I meant this to be about whether you (meaning anyone) thought that being offended has become more common lately. That we are all becoming too thin skinned.

I'm not bashing anyone. Is my "posting style" so poor that what I post is indecipherable.

I'm just trying to get some discussion going on a plausible subject. That's all.

Mark

No. It could be that I have trouble understanding your accent. :D ;) No worries Mark.

LLAO! I´m almost offended by this MagiK! [img]tongue.gif[/img] :D :D Ooohh I like this post!

LLAO! I´m almost offended by this MagiK! [img]tongue.gif[/img] :D :D Ooohh I like this post!</font>[/QUOTE]LM(Magik's)AO!!!

Yeah...I'm offended by the offensive offensives that have been offensively defended by the defensive offenders of recess....*gives up as he is now thoroughly confused*

EDIT: Because I cant freakin spell! *grumble*

[ 12-16-2002, 03:47 PM: Message edited by: Nachtrafe ]

All I know is I'm offended. Badly. And you all have made me cry. My shirt is soaked with my tears :( Wheres the heroin dealer when you need him *sob*

I think we all know what Sir G means. ;) [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

Nothing wrong with that. "Political correctness" and over-sensitivity suck!

The thing that ruins the discussion you apparently wanted is this statement near the end of your post....

Up until this point, you had a good post that may have resulted in decent discussion, but this statement, after mentioning 6 threads(without links), really changes the whole idea of your post about being offended doesn't it?

Is someone really offended, or are they just covering up for a lack of information/intelligence/initiative/etc...

Nothing wrong with wanting to discuss this idea either, but it's a completely different subject than the one you started with, isn't it?

Maybe you just worded that last part poorly, but it certainly seems like a very lightly veiled "dig" at those in the threads you mentioned(without links) who were, in your opinion, offended by the responses they received, even if they weren't offended by the subject.....

[ 12-16-2002, 08:05 PM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

I'm sorry that you do not believe my explanation of that line Ronn, but I'm not going explain what I meant anymore. It is fruitless to try.

Mark

Yep! :D

Who has my heroin? I'm hurting emotionally and need it!

LOA it's methadone and a 12 Step for you!

Personally, I feel the trend away from common sense to political correctness is deplorable. Free speech is acceptable as long as the PC Police approve is an unacceptable and untenable position to maintain. Many of us post and respond to hear the voice of dissent and expand our horizons. What we learn from those we disagree with almost always has value. If each of us could make use of some self-depracting humor then maybe we wouldn't feel so threatened.

Wanna know what I find offensive? Really Disgusting and repulsive?

People who are indifferent to the humanity of other people. They offend me and I hope they can feel it! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Anything else is fair game.

As for the difference between being offended and being disrespected is another topic.

Here is the edited version of first post in this thread. I think keeping the subject to cover a broader area is probably better.

It seems that as time goes by people are saying or doing things that are offensive and more and more people are offended.

The most glaring example, of course, is the US Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott debacle.
Many people were offended, but one person interviewed on ABC said he didn't think "racism" was a bad word.

Being offended is a very personal thing, though when many feel the same way it can grow into a movement. But grandstanding at being offended to shore up a person or group's side of an argument is helpful to no one, if it is not fully truthful.

Your thoughts?

Mark

BINGO!! MEGA DITTOS ( for well, you know who you are )
My thoughts are the Union is doomed we are quickly becoming a nation of crybaby whinners, Lord I learned before 1st grade that sticks and stones may break my bones but word can never hurt me. Call me what you want to call me I DON'T CARE I am what I am and who I am, I will not be embarrassed or hurt by anything said about me unless I allow it!

So its automaticaly assumed that posted quotes by "famous athiests" is offensive? If your a christian and are offended by this, then that proves the point. Isnt it about "faith". I am an athiest and am really tired of this pre-judgement. Give me a break! Open your minds people!
Come on gibbies, we are outta here.

Uh...I was the one who originally posted the thread about quotes from Famous Athiests.

It was a poor attempt on my part to list several things that had been posted that could have or did offend someone. I'm trying to get this thread away from that part of the post, because it was deemed accusatory toward the offended people and was considered a low blow. After much thought, I've come to the conclusion that it definitely looks like that's exactly what I was driving at.
At this point I'm not sure if that was what I intended, but I'm stuck with that summation.

This is why I rewrote the initial post and you will see it posted as post #32.

I know this post is not helping me get this thread to scroll off the first page, but what the hell....I can handle some more outrage in my direction! ;)

Mark

(BTW I am a self-proclaimed atheist too, until further notice :D )

Eh? Who shoved a rocket up your ar$3 this morning? :D :D ;)

Actually, Sir K's post is a good example of why links should be provided in posts that list other posts as examples of a subject. ;)

If I remember correctly Sir K, in the famous atheist's quotes post, no one was complaining that there were quotes by atheists or about the quotes themselves, but there was some argument over whether some of those quoted were actually atheists based on other quotes by them.

No one was offended that quotes by atheists were posted here.

[ 12-18-2002, 07:09 AM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

Eh? Who shoved a rocket up your ar$3 this morning? :D :D ;) </font>[/QUOTE]God.

Listen, if he would have said religion in general, that would have been fine. But he didnt. He refered to a post that did not offend, untill the thread went awray with opinion within that thread. Discusions evolve to that, generaly, and thats ok. If you become ofended at a remark that occured in a discusion, its to late, your a part of the discusion, deal with it. Maybe this is what he meant, but what he implied was that simply posting a thread about "famous athiest quotes" would arouse offense, pissed me off. Sorry. I continully am judged here in my little would, and am probly a little sensitive about it. I'll move on now.
BTW- I did see the revision, all is good. No hard feelings here. Sorry for my rant.