Is Everything Offensive Nowadays?

[sk]

As always I think both sides are both right and wrong. lol

People need to stop interpret anything the see/hear in the worst possible way and get offended by it.
At least try to consider another meaning, or accept it as slight mishap, before getting upset.
There's no need to consider everything as something more than it actually is.

But people also needs to stop being *insert colorful word here* and understand that what they think is okay might not be okay for others.
I mean, it isn't that hard to not be offensive. It sounds very exaggerated to say that you can't say anything without offending someone.
Of course you can. But do you really have any interest in making the effort?

To me it feels like those who complains most about people being to easily offended actually wants to be offensive half of the time and then acts surprise when they succeeds.
(Interesting enough it also feels like the same people actually gets quite easily offended themselves. But that's another topic I guess...)

/SK

 

[VisionBoy]

Except 99% of the time, when someone is called a faggot, we all know they're not referring to pork or a bundle of sticks. Things change, words have different meanings and so on... but let's not kid ourselves; the majority of the time they know what they're saying and why someone might take offense.

What I've taken from all this(and other discussions elsewhere) is that when it comes to sensitivity , both sides could do with meeting in the middle. But I won't hold my breath...

 

[Anyanka Bunny Slayer]

I recently used the "N word" without thinking, and people were like "dude...", and I said "oops", and that was the end of it. I just don't see the big deal here.

You don't see the big deal? It's vile and beyond demeaning, amongst other things. How would you feel if I were to use a racist term for jews or Israelis, and say, "I just don't see what the big deal is here"? It's even worse when someone uses that word "without thinking." (And yes, I removed the word you used and substituted it with "N word")
This is the second time I've seen that word used in this thread. Rather disturbing. 🙁

 

[Guy]

You don't see the big deal? It's vile and beyond demeaning, amongst other things. How would you feel if I were to use a racist term for jews or Israelis, and say, "I just don't see what the big deal is here"? It's even worse when someone uses that word "without thinking." (And yes, I removed the word you used and substituted it with "N word")
This is the second time I've seen that. word used in this thread. Rather disturbing.

I meant that I don't see the big deal about being falsely called racist.

 

[Athena]

This is the second time I've had to edit someone's reference of the n word on this thread.

I get this is a thread about offence, and believe me I see the irony, but this is the second time a reference to the n word has been complained about, and to be honest the person is well within their rights to complain. The word is a vile and derogatory racial slur and there is simply no excuse for anyone to use it in sentence, especially when saying "the n word" will more than suffice and get your point across.

 

[GwenRaiden]

I mean isn't it just accepted that pregnancy changes you?

Uhhh. No.

 

[Guy]

This is the second time I've had to edit someone's reference of the n word on this thread.

I get this is a thread about offence, and believe me I see the irony, but this is the second time a reference to the n word has been complained about, and to be honest the person is well within their rights to complain. The word is a vile and derogatory racial slur and there is simply no excuse for anyone to use it in sentence, especially when saying "the n word" will more than suffice and get your point across.

Well, this is sadly ironic...

I'm sorry for offending. I thought I made it clear that I don't support the use of that word, but I was obviously mistaken.

I can't help but wonder, though (and I wouldn't ask, usually, but this thread seems like the appropriate place) - Why is it okay to use the word "faggot", then? Because of its original meaning? That seems rather arbitrary... Shouldn't its CURRENT meaning be the one that counts?

 

[The Bronze]

Why is it okay to use the word "faggot", then?

Because the "F" word could be f**, f*** or f***** and then we'd all get confused 😀

 

[Guy]

@Anyanka Bunny Killer

Look, I really don't want to be argumentative, but I am honestly puzzled, and I need to discuss this. A few pages ago, you posted this:

This PC crap is out of control. It has become MUCH worse during the last few years. So many people have turned into whining, mewling little shits and it's just...insane. Like they're just LOOKING for a reason to be offended, or to correct someone.
This particular topic is one of the things that makes me psychotic. God help anyone who approaches me in public to "school" me about what's correct!

Then, later, you posted this, as a response to a foolishly-written post of mine:

You don't see the big deal? It's vile and beyond demeaning, amongst other things. How would you feel if I were to use a racist term for jews or Israelis, and say, "I just don't see what the big deal is here"? It's even worse when someone uses that word "without thinking." (And yes, I removed the word you used and substituted it with "N word")
This is the second time I've seen that word used in this thread. Rather disturbing. 🙁

And I don't understand this contradiction. If you're so adament about the use of the n-word (and rightly so!), then why are you so frustrated at other people who get offended by other things?

I mean, look - as a straight white man, I don't think that I can decide what's offensive and what's not. To me, NOTHING is offensive, unless it's a direct personal insult. No, not even insults about Israelis or Jews. So, when someone tells me that a certain word is offensive to them, then I'm going to refrain from using that word. I think that's just the decent thing to do.
I guess my question is - where do you draw the line? When is a word offensive, and when is someone just being "whiny"? I'm asking seriously. I don't think that "you just know". I don't think that it's obvious. After all, everyone is offended by different things. I know black people who don't consider the n word to be offensive. I know gay people who don't consider certain gay slurs to be offensive. So, where do you draw the line?

 

[DeadlyDuo]

I think being offended because you find something offensive is one thing (which is perfectly valid), it's when you get people who decide to get offended on behalf of someone else is where it becomes ridiculous.

I also think you get situations where its difficult to find the right solution to fit everybody. For example, breast feeding in public. Breast feeding mothers don't want to feel like they are being stashed out of sight just because they are feeding their child (which is a valid opinion) but also people don't want to see a woman sat with her breasts out on display because they find it very awkward (which is also a valid opinion). It's not just a question of looking away, on the one hand you don't want to stare (though some people can't help but look out of curiosity as they walk past which in turn makes the woman feel uncomfortable) yet at the same time you don't want to make it obvious you're deliberately trying not to look which again can make the woman feel uncomfortable because everyone is deliberately averting their eyes which can make her feel self-conscious).

Which is the right solution? Do you find a discreet spot for the woman to breast feed and she feels stashed out of sight but the rest of the public doesn't feel awkward, or do you let the woman sit where she likes and have the rest of the public feel awkward?

It's a needs of the many vs the need of the one. Whose side do you take to avoid offending? Is avoiding offending someone impossible?

 

[Xanderectomy]

Lol, yeah, when someone says faggots I assume they mean the food. They are like cheap meatballs. I'm not a fan. But outside of weird English food, when people use the word fag or faggot as an insult, I understand what they mean when they say it's become a generic insult. But the fact it is seen as a generic insult is insidious really. Why use a word that was originally used in such a hateful manner? It's like when guys insult each other by calling the other a woman. Because it's seen as lesser, the same way as being called gay is. For something to become a generic insult there has to be a negative connotation attached to being 'a faggot' in the first place, and then I have to ask why?

Thats the thing Faggot is just another generic insult and people use insults all the time heck half the english language are basically just insults
i get why saying the word "faggot" in a hurtful and homophobic manner could offend someone but i dont get why just saying word is such a big deal.

 

[Blair]

I also think you get situations where its difficult to find the right solution to fit everybody. For example, breast feeding in public. Breast feeding mothers don't want to feel like they are being stashed out of sight just because they are feeding their child (which is a valid opinion) but also people don't want to see a woman sat with her breasts out on display because they find it very awkward (which is also a valid opinion). It's not just a question of looking away, on the one hand you don't want to stare (though some people can't help but look out of curiosity as they walk past which in turn makes the woman feel uncomfortable) yet at the same time you don't want to make it obvious you're deliberately trying not to look which again can make the woman feel uncomfortable because everyone is deliberately averting their eyes which can make her feel self-conscious).

Which is the right solution? Do you find a discreet spot for the woman to breast feed and she feels stashed out of sight but the rest of the public doesn't feel awkward, or do you let the woman sit where she likes and have the rest of the public feel awkward?

It's a needs of the many vs the need of the one. Whose side do you take to avoid offending? Is avoiding offending someone impossible?

Now you're just opening a can of worms 😛 One of my friends who is also child free is very pro breast feeding in public, and whenever we happen to talk about it she immediately says there is something wrong with me because I get uncomfortable by it. And yes, I'm a person who does look away or if I can just leave where ever this is happening. Another friend who had a child knew that it would make me feel weird and would always be polite about giving me the heads up that her baby needed food, which was great. And she was really discrete about it.

The first friend was all "You wouldn't eat in the toilets would you? Why should a baby?" I had transferred to her high school in senior year- if she had known me in junior high then she would of known that I had in fact ate lunch in the bathroom many times as I was bullied and pretty much had no friends.
Also the argument of covering up the baby's head with a blanket was too taboo for this first friend. I recall asking my mum what she did with me- apparently I ate under a blanket a lot.

Again the first friend tells me "You have no idea what discrimination these women face for doing something that's natural" which angered me. A lot.
Out of all my breast feeding friends, I can easily say I've probably received more discrimination than all of them put together as I'm gay. I've had people yell gay slurs at me (which I usually just laugh about, especially when I've been called a fag. It's like "I'm a dyke you idiots, get your insults correct"), I've had a glass bottle thrown at my head for holding my girlfriend's hand down the street, religious people telling me I'm going to hell, had a death threats including a voodoo doll sent to me, had a restraining order against my girlfriend's dad, had jobs where I know that I can't say that I'm gay otherwise I'd get fired (religious bosses) Not to mention all the stuff in high school. And for me, being gay is natural. But sure first friend, clearly I have no idea what it's like to be stared at for doing something that's natural.

Unless if I'm in the city, I generally won't hold my girlfriend's hand. It's way too unsafe where I live.

 

[Xanderectomy]

Well, this is sadly ironic...

I'm sorry for offending. I thought I made it clear that I don't support the use of that word, but I was obviously mistaken.

I can't help but wonder, though (and I wouldn't ask, usually, but this thread seems like the appropriate place) - Why is it okay to use the word "faggot", then? Because of its original meaning? That seems rather arbitrary... Shouldn't its CURRENT meaning be the one that counts?

The word "faggot" when used in the wrong context can be extremely hurtful
and lets be honest no one uses the word "faggot" to refer to a bundle of sticks
however at the end of the day its just another word that people used to insult each other
and even though it is sometimes used in a homophobic manner,most of the times its just another insult
when a word is used to specifically belittle a person for something like their sexual orientation its obviously highly offensive
but when a person just generally uses the word is it still offensive?
and if it is then isn't every other word that could also be used as an insult offensive?

 

[Anyanka Bunny Slayer]

@Anyanka Bunny Killer

Look, I really don't want to be argumentative, but I am honestly puzzled, and I need to discuss this. A few pages ago, you posted this:



Then, later, you posted this, as a response to a foolishly-written post of mine:



And I don't understand this contradiction. If you're so adament about the use of the n-word (and rightly so!), then why are you so frustrated at other people who get offended by other things?

I mean, look - as a straight white man, I don't think that I can decide what's offensive and what's not. To me, NOTHING is offensive, unless it's a direct personal insult. No, not even insults about Israelis or Jews. So, when someone tells me that a certain word is offensive to them, then I'm going to refrain from using that word. I think that's just the decent thing to do.
I guess my question is - where do you draw the line? When is a word offensive, and when is someone just being "whiny"? I'm asking seriously. I don't think that "you just know". I don't think that it's obvious. After all, everyone is offended by different things. I know black people who don't consider the n word to be offensive. I know gay people who don't consider certain gay slurs to be offensive. So, where do you draw the line?

Any racial slur is offensive. Any word that was originally created to insult a specific race and/or nationality is verboten...I've always assumed that was common knowledge.

You say you're "puzzled" by this. Very well. I don't know what else to tell you. *shrugs*

 

[Blair]

Geobubbles: That's terrible :/ I didn't know that it was still that bad in other countries. Where about do you live?

Same country as you... South west of Western Australia. I worked at a religious school as I was so desperate for work. I had to sign a lifestyle clause that basically said if I was found out to be gay or had a baby outside of marriage I would be sacked. And the Australian Government lets religious institutes get away with stuff like that. I remember one school I worked at expelling a trans student.

 

[November]

Geobubbles: That's terrible :/ I didn't know that it was still that bad in other countries. Where about do you live?

Same country as you... South west of Western Australia. I worked at a religious school as I was so desperate for work. I had to sign a lifestyle clause that basically said if I was found out to be gay or had a baby outside of marriage I would be sacked. And the Australian Government lets religious institutes get away with stuff like that. I remember one school I worked at expelling a trans student.

Truth right here. I was also involved in a religious living and working situation for over a decade. Western Australia. I have also been witness to gay hate crimes to close friends over the years - it has been encouraging to see the change but it is very very slow, in comparison with tumblr. My friends feel comfortable holding hands now, but only in certain areas.

I just had to share some adverts that have run on aussie tv over the times to lighten this up a bit.

This one is special for @Bluebird and @GwenRaiden 😉

In regards to Pork

Offending fatties

 

[ILLYRIAN]

COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC, sort of but not really. If you like the Twilight film it is off topic. But it does fall into the category of everything is offensive.
I just watched the Twilight series of film and I was in hysterics at all the continuation and plot errors. After 900 odd mess-ups many of which your seeing eye dog would have seen.
I laughed so much but I did have one problem, admittedly I see Jacob as a moron. I used another word that fall into the not-so family friendly categorisation . If I can find some way not to swear at it so much I might list all the errors I've found plus it might make another person here laugh.

 

[Geobubbles]

Geobubbles: That's terrible :/ I didn't know that it was still that bad in other countries. Where about do you live?

Same country as you... South west of Western Australia. I worked at a religious school as I was so desperate for work. I had to sign a lifestyle clause that basically said if I was found out to be gay or had a baby outside of marriage I would be sacked. And the Australian Government lets religious institutes get away with stuff like that. I remember one school I worked at expelling a trans student.

Wow this has really opened my eyes. I had no idea this was going on to that extent in WA. That's ridiculous :/

 

[Blair]

COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC, sort of but not really. If you like the Twilight film it is off topic. But it does fall into the category of everything is offensive.
I just watched the Twilight series of film and I was in hysterics at all the continuation and plot errors. After 900 odd mess-ups many of which your seeing eye dog would have seen.
I laughed so much but I did have one problem, admittedly I see Jacob as a moron. I used another word that fall into the not-so family friendly categorisation . If I can find some way not to swear at it so much I might list all the errors I've found plus it might make another person here laugh.

Not going to lie, I have a secret love for Twilight. I like the books but was always disappointed by the lack of the big bloody battle at the end of book four. It should of happened!
I love the parody movie of it too. It's usually Twilight or Vampires Suck as my go to pick me up if I'm feeling emo.

Wow this has really opened my eyes. I had no idea this was going on to that extent in WA. That's ridiculous :/

I lived in a small country town. When I moved to a regional city I told my friends at the gay support group what had happened and they were surprised (mainly with the voo doo doll and death threats stuff. Getting a bottle thrown at me was in Perth. I made the mistake of walking around with my missus after sunset before clubbing had started. Was a bad call)
But at one point in time there was a small group that knew when our meeting times where for our support group. They'd pick off a few of our members after group and beat the crap out of them. I started giving friends lifts home after the second week this happened (as did other members to people who didn't have licenses) Even my friend who was a black belt in karate was held down by some randoms and was beaten, she was sporting two black eyes for a while. Was horrid.

 

[Mr Trick]

Uhhh. No.

Well clearly no one told Ridley Scott that😛