Recently I’ve been made aware that some people, in a group I
belong to, were offended, by my teasing a friend of mine. I was making fun of her cooking ability. I asked my friend, and she was not
offended. So is an offense given, if no
offense was taken?
It seems that a few people in the group were offended by my
teasing my friend. Am I responsible for
them? My friends and I can’t fool with
each other, because others, not in our circle, will take offense? I'm kind of offended by that.
This reminds me of the current craze about “political
correctness.” Eventually, offending behavior
is a Chinese puzzle. What may offend
one, won't offend another. Isn't it reasonable to think that someone, somewhere, will be offended by something that
isn't universally accepted as “politically correct or offenseless,” sooner or
later. So, who’s to say that a few are
right? Who’s wrong?
Political correctness and being offensive are
subjective. It’s all a matter of
taste. There’s no definite
solution. I'm not going to stop being
me. I might tip toe around certain
people now, but I really don't think that’s right either. Who says they're right? My friend wasn't offended. I don't feel it’s right that people are
making me feel negative about myself. I
have a right to tease and joke with my friends.
We think it’s harmless. And if
you don't think it’s so harmless, why do you think you should impose your
standards on me?
Offence isn't given; it’s taken. If you're not offended, then there’s no
offence. If you are offended, remember,
that doesn't mean that you are right.
You don't live in my world.
If you take offense that easily, you'd never survive.
