'Being Offended' Thread.

Seems 'being offended' is quite a popular pastime for a certain section of society these days and don't know if anyone agrees with George but thought there were some very valid points being made in the vid below by folks like Hitchens, Fry, Dawkins etc.

Also some thoughtful quotes here and reckon the best one I've heard is that 'being offended is the collateral damage of free speech' (Ricky Gervais).

Was also laughing out loud at Aussie comedian Steve Hughes opinions on the subject - great stuff.

See 3:20

Don't know whether all this is an insidious plot to oppress intellectual discourse but there does seem to be an awful lot of hysterical censorship going on.

Would be interested in any opinions out there (offended or otherwise).

a reply to: karl 12

This behavior is demonstrated here daily in the political forums.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

I'm offended by this comment.

a reply to: Tulpa

Me too.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

I would try to be outraged also but it's tricky doing two things at once.

I'm in a lazy Friday mood.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus


Yes, you said something vaguely similar on this thread.

Given that you are interested in sincere discussion then what do you think of political correctness?

im personally offended by those that are easily offended

The whole Pc culture can eat a D***

Not sorry...

a reply to: karl 12

It's comical how we went from "get over it" to "get in your safe space and we will collectively cancel the mean person".

This happened in a very short span of time. How?

a reply to: karl 12

When the law of whichever country you are in doesn't prevent certain behaviours then the weak use "political correctness".
It's a bit like having your own set of imaginary laws with which to force compliance.
If you incite violence against others you have broken a law so have no leg to stand on but if you claim to be offended you can somehow use that instead of incitement.
The end result is violence but somehow you can evade legal responsibility.

It shouldn't work that way but by tolerating the first few cases we seem to have opened the floodgates to a barrage of perpetually offended people to justify their own vile behaviour.

It's just a trick but well meaning people fell for it.

Do-gooders are the world's worst trouble makers.

originally posted by: karl 12
Given that you are interested in sincere discussion then what do you think of political correctness?

I'm probably one of the least politically correct people you'll meet.

You're getting a greatly toned down version of my real self.

I’ll never forgive them for bullying The Simpsons in to cancelling Apu.

That’s when the line was crossed.

Now you've done it Karl...

I'm off to the Safe Space sub-forum.

originally posted by: network dude

It's comical how we went from "get over it" to "get in your safe space and we will collectively cancel the mean person".

This happened in a very short span of time.

How?

Mate, good question and I don't think 'we' did anything.

Call me cynical but maybe it was the result of a well coordinated and targeted media campaign.

Definitely feels forcefully imposed and here's Peter Hitchens describing how, in the hands of the state, it's 'terrifying'.

The Motion: This House Believes the Right to Free Speech Always Includes the Right to Offend.

a reply to: karl 12

When you see someone say on the internet "offense is always taken and never given" that's generally because the giver is not intending to cause anyone harm.

Anyroad your average reasonable person should not be harmed by whatever it is they said to them.

Personally i think this world had gone PC crazy with rather a lot of people choosing to wield the pretence of being offended as a weapon of sorts.

originally posted by: Tulpa
a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

I would try to be outraged also but it's tricky doing two things at once.

I'm in a lazy Friday mood.

Oh crap, it's Offended Friday.
I forgot my gun and knife at home.

Sometimes I feel offended. I enjoy striking back on a ratio of 1.5.

In other words...., Italian way.

originally posted by: Tulpa

When the law of whichever country you are in doesn't prevent certain behaviours then the weak use "political correctness".

Yes mate maybe George was right about it just being used as an excuse for more authoritarian control (or 'facism' as he put it).

I know it's from The Sun but on the serious side did think this was a pretty great interview with Titania McGrath co creator Andrew Doyle.

It's a bit long but he does describe how Scottish police are actually threatening people with home visits for 'offending' people.

a reply to: karl 12

When equality and diversity training happens within the institutions their original purpose becomes a secondary issue.

Police no longer deal with crime.
Schools no longer educate.
Hospitals fail their patients.
The military fear upsetting anyone by defending their country and flag.
I'm waiting for the fire service to claim that not being on fire is a privilege!

And, of course, don't forget that pointing out the obvious is now seen as offensive, somehow threatening and just some old dude " frightened" of change.

But places like Twitter etc will allow (and encourage) the most repulsive behaviour provided it's directed at the "correct" target.

originally posted by: butcherguy

originally posted by: Tulpa
a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

I would try to be outraged also but it's tricky doing two things at once.

I'm in a lazy Friday mood.

I forgot my gun and knife at home.

If you're not in London you should be OK.

a reply to: Tulpa

Hornsey seems to be rather troubled today anyroad.

www.thesun.co.uk...