I Am Wondering If There Is An Offense Culture In This Society And What Is Causing It

[gordiescotland1]

Hi I seem to come across situations in the newspapers and tv where people individuals and or groups of people are offended and taking offense. I am wondering if there is a culture of offense, free speech almost seems to be a thing of the past unless you are not offending someone. It seemed different in my day !! Im only 43 but it just seems that people are too touchy and easily offended and I include myself in this. You cant seem to say anything to anyone at all nowadays. The scientist has resigned for his comments about women. A bit OTT it was quite naive of him but still to lose his post? I mean today i was at the bus stop boiling hot weather the timetable said there was a bus every 10 minutes into town 20 minutes later and no bus there was a woman with 2 children screaming their head off and I turned to her and said the person who wrote that timetable must have been dsylexic and she said thats very offensive Im dyslexic it was just tongue in cheek I just ignored her and walked into town instead of getting a bus. But people are so touchy and sensitive

[ummmm]

I'm just thinking how stressed the lady must have been with 2 screaming kids.

[kenjonbro]

Made worse by an unoriginal and unfunny quip

[Buenchico]

. . . but the point is why the hell should Gordie care whether he offended the woman or not. I offend people frequently by saying what I think and I'm PROUD (and most definitely not ashamed) to do so on every occasion.

[gordiescotland1]

If I ever see her again I will apoligise to her

[ummmm]

I think it's more due to the circumstances. The lady might have laughed it off normally.

[Buenchico]

NEVER apologise, Gordie!
;-)

[Peter Pedant]

never apologise never explain

jackie fisher letter to the times 1915

[woofgang]

I kind of agree with Chris.....I can remember Phil Drabble saying once that in his youth he had a mouth on him and had offended countless people without meaning to. He said once he got older he only offended people he wanted to offend.
If you don't care whether you offend or not, or are doing it intentionally then why the agony? On the other hand, if you do care then its no excuse to go the "why are people so touchy" route because if you do care about giving offence then its not reasonable to blame other people for their reaction to what comes out of your mouth!

[baza]

Standing on the main concourse at Ltverpool St station a man approached me and asked the time and platform for the next departure to wherever, I pointed out to him a dirty great indicator board hanging from the roof, which cost loads of money and was not there for decoration. He said " sorry mate I can't read"
This left one duty manager feeling a right berk.
I know this is true as I was that manager.

[ummmm]

Did it always make you think from then on, Baza?

Bit like asking someone how far gone they'd gone and they replied that they'd just got fat...

I will never ask that question!!

[Buenchico]

You've got no sense of fun, Ummmm!

If I ever hear someone ask "Does my bum look big in this" (even if it's a complete stranger talking to their friend in a store) I can never resist turning round and saying "Your bum would look big in an aircraft hangar!" ;-)

[Haggisdj]

Buenchico, I prefer, "Does this dress make me look fat?" "No, that's all the chocolate that you eat."

[Haggisdj]

It constantly amazes me that in the last few years how many things have become 'unacceptable'. It's my belief that there is an Offence Culture and a Blame Culture, it's always someone elses fault.

Do you think this behaviour has come from America?

[aelmpvw]

i take offence to the slur on americans :-)

[venator]

The offence and discrimination culture has gone a bit too far in many cases, and you have to keep up with the latest euphemisms when dealing with the public.

However, it's a lot better than say 25 years ago, when women, minorities and disadvantaged people were fair game.

[TWR]

You've only to look at this site to see how things get twisted Gordi! there are a few that seem to get pleasure out of it.

[Khandro]

//[I] said the person who wrote that timetable must have been dsylexic and she said thats very offensive Im dyslexic//

I cannot see what was offensive in you saying what you said, If you had said " The person who wrote this notice can't spell" would she say "That's very offensive, I can't spell".

[youngmafbog]

And the right-on brigade are out in force to reinforce your Post Gordie

Some people really need to lighten up.

Next thing there will be lawyers chasing down those that dare utter any word someone in the world doesn't agree with!

[Boto]

It's obligatory to be offended on other people's behalf even if they are not offended. It's just a good thing we can't read thoughts!

[TWR]

It's a wonder that has not happened on here Young, It's getting that way with a few.