Actually, I'm not, but I wanted to bring up the topic. I've seen people in the news, in my every-day life say how they are so offended. At what? Was it truly an offense? Or is it something that just bothered them a bit? Some days it seems people just casually attach the word to any and everything that crosses their way the wrong way.

I've found a couple different definitions for "offend."

** to annoy, irritate, anger, cause resentful displeasure
** to violate or transgress, to hurt or cause pain to

I'm willing to bet most people will lean more towards the first definition in the everyday walks of life - at least, those I work with. Personally, if I were feeling the first definitions explanation of "offend," I'd rather say I feel resentful. Otherwise it seems that trying to apply the second definition is about as useful as Reba singing "I'm a survivor" at the end of the bouncy, pleasant-sounding jingle of her show (by the way, I find her casual use of 'I'm a survivor' offensive - I mean, I resent it).

To end my offensive rant, I leave you with a cartoon to consider. It is a strip of Bloom County, and this drawing went public in the early 80s. It can be viewed here. But I warn you, you could find it offensive.

How does "offensive" define for you?

Andy

OMG that strip is offensive!

ROCK ON.........Trish

Funny, I'm more well-defended.......

Andy,

Very cool indeed. Your post ought to make us think about ourselves first when we feel we have been offended. Note how the object of offense is always ourselves. Interesting.

Much love,
Larry

Interesting topic point well taken.

Gee; not that I want to infuriate or start a fluster party
but; do you mind me adding to this conspicuous rant with a query ?

Can someone tell me if male rape victims are offensive to society as a whole ? Or is it that we just live in a distant indifferent world who would rather forget that we exist.

Is this an offense ?

"Can someone tell me if male rape victims are offensive to society as a whole ? Or is it that we just live in a distant indifferent world who would rather forget that we exist."

Please, feel free to add to my column-esque rant.

I feel like I live in some alternate universe, as a survivor. I feel like the world will accept me if I don't make a fuss over what happened. Kinda feels like conditional acceptance for that matter. Offensive for them? Not sure, but most don't exactly make it easy to test this theory.

I feel sometimes people put "offended" on a statement because they (erroneously) feel it might give them more power or the "moral high ground" to support their statement. Like if somehow they're offended the other has the obligation to shut their mouth (they don't).

Lots of things are offensive in the world, and I just try to take the good and leave the rest...or else I go crazy...

My advice: if you don't like something, don't read/watch/listen to it. It makes living a lot easier.

Look at the American TV show "Family Guy." Every other sentence on there is offensive, but for some reason it's up there on the charts. Strange. I guess it's because no one is safe. *shrug*

P.S. -- I think "triggered" is getting that way, too. *shrug*

From The Offspring's CD "Ixnay on the Hombre."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5UvuFI462c

Track 1 - "Disclaimer."

Ladies and Gentleman:

Welcome to the disclaimer, that's right, the disclaimer. This American apple pie institution known as "parental discretion" will cleanse any sense of innuendo or sarcasm from the lyrics which might actually make you think -- and will also insult your intelligence at the same time. So, protect your family! This album contains explicit depictions of things which are real, these real things are commonly known as life. So, if it sounds sarcastic, don't take it seriously. If it sounds dangerous, do not try this at home or at all. And if it offends you, just-don't-listen to it.

"Like if somehow they're offended the other has the obligation to shut their mouth (they don't)."

Verrrry good point.

I posted this a few years ago here but I think it applicable to the discussion so will put it up again.