Being Offended

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.

The Fourth Magi

I was reading in Magnificat, about "The iconographic

evolution of the Magi, (January 2012, Vol. 13, No. 11, page 432)." It is interesting how the story grew over time. The story from Matthew (2: 1-12) tells of "wise men" coming from the east. By the fourth century, art depicts a differentiation in ages of the Magi. Tertullian refers to them as kings. In the eleventh century they are given names and are thought to represent the three continents that were known, at that time: Melchior from Europe, Balthasar from Asia, and Caspar of Africa. Then in the fifteenth century, the Portuguese and Spanish try to add an American Indian king, but the idea doesn't catch on.

I protest! I want a native American included.

If Bishop Anthony Fisher, OP can put a kangaroo in the nativity, and my granddaughter can put in, Elmo, then the least people can do is be politically correct, and add a native American for the Americas, the kangaroo for Australia, and a penquin for Antarctica.

Even the Catalonians put in the caganer, for gosh sakes!