It's OK to offend, be offended, learn to comprehend why, and have rational discussions about the differences. Of the billions of people on the planet, it is reasonable that others would have political, spiritual, cultural, moral, and personality differences from my view of the world. Political correctness had a media focus last month with "Happy Holidays" being offered for "Merry Christmas" in an attempt to not offend the approximate 10% of the population that does not observe Christmas traditions. I sent an E-mail to many people I work with, both at the company I work at and the companies that do business with the company I work at. I also included members of my Toastmasters group that include many other nationalities, political and religious persuasions. I pointed out that as a Christian, the observation of the birth of Jesus is different for me than an atheist, but we all have Christmas on our calendar (think about where the year was measured from). When I express Merry Christmas to them it does not demean them in any way. If they are offended by my right, it is most probable that I would find their expression offensive. If we never say anything that someone else MIGHT find offensive, we'll never say anything. A large number of responses to my E-mail expressed agreement with this stance and none that disagreed (if any) wrote back.
We become uncomfortable discussing subjects we find offensive, so avoiding the subject is just easier. That is how political correctness has grown to be considered good manners. Being sensitive to the stance of others, regardless of their position, is now being taught in school as tolerance. The tolerance being taught says that acceptance of the view of another is crucial, since their equality with you provides the same rights. This misses the whole subject of the truth in their perspective. In it's most outrageous extrapolation, the views of a child molester on child care is equal to mine and must be considered equally when providing for the care of a child. It is far preferable that I'm offended by the molester's stance, and he mine. Civility is what is required. The rational discussion mentioned earlier is what should be taught, not only in school but also in community settings. Why am I offended? Why does someone find my statement or belief offensive? Talking about things that make us uncomfortable leads to new comfort levels. Manners need to be redefined as demonstrating respect and civility in the discussion, NOT AVOIDING subjects.
Where do you get your viewpoints? How much has your background affected your beliefs? Did the education system you were exposed to create factual understanding of the past? Is the Bible the source of truth as I believe, or is truth so relative that we can each make up our own? Is one political system right for all people, or are there needs for multiple versions? How are past atrocities linked to today? Become offended at what is said by someone. Say things that are offensive to someone. It's the discussion that is so critical for our thinking. It's OK.
