What constitutes offense?

Posted by omicron1 on Oct. 27, 2006, 4:25 p.m.

What exactly is the dividing line between holding an opinion and making an offensive post? Is it an offense to say, for instance, that homosexuality is wrong? I happen to hold that view, and can present arguments in favor of it. Yet some people would say that to say that homosexuality is wrong is to offend homosexuals, and therefore, that you should not say so. These people are the same ones who took down the word Christmas in stores a few years ago, thereby offending all Christians in America, in order not to offend the markedly smaller population of atheists. Is this not an example of double-standards? The fact is, there is only one way not to offend people, and that is not to speak. However, this "solution" is really no solution at all. I have as much right to my opinion as you do - and if my opinion offends you, your opinion offends me equally. How, then, can we differentiate? I say we draw the bar at politely registered opinions - don't arrest all the preachers; but don't allow people to go around saying "Homosexualz ArE Evil!!!"

Comments

SleepinJohnnyFish 18 years ago

The trick is to offend people and not care. It works for me.

blueBX 18 years ago

Never put up two blogs in a day. If you have something else to say edit youre other blog or wait until tomorrow.

SleepinJohnnyFish 18 years ago

You putting up two blogs in one day offends me.

Polystyrene Man 18 years ago

Quote:
Is it an offense to say, for instance, that homosexuality is wrong?
I had a blog about that a while ago. Didn't turn out too well, no sir.

Siert 18 years ago

Its there fault if they are homosexual

firestormx 18 years ago

If it offends someone, then it constintues as an offence. Obviously, saying homosexuality is wrong, would offend people who support homosexuality, if you don't do it in a tactful way.

It's just simple common sense.

Jabberwock 18 years ago

SJF is right. I honestly don't care if I offend people. However, there is a line you've got to draw; if you're going to offend someone, do it tactfully and with good reason, otherwise you're just a jerk.

OL 18 years ago

I seem to offend everyone, and nor do I care.

firestormx 18 years ago

I'm an admin, so I can offend people all I want.