Two Daze Thought

I've spent a few moments over the last year contemplating what it means to be offended. It seems wherever I go, people are worried about offending someone.

The other day I was sitting in a meeting with a client that manufactures and distributes jewelry. We were reviewing a few radio scripts I'd written for them. The client wanted to be certain we were communicating in such a manner that would not offend anyone. As a result, he summoned four other employees to the conference room, hoping to get a wider sampling of opinions.

I read the scripts and we waited for their response. Of the three commercials, two passed with flying colors. The third was up for discussion. One of the young ladies in the room thought there was a possibility the ad could offend feminist. In light of the fact that the ad was about engagement rings, I gave one of my off-the-cuff spins on the feminist crowd.

"I'm not worried about this ad offending the feminist. In my opinion, most of them aren't going to get married since they all seem to be against men. We would have to be under the assumption that a large percentage of feminist are pursuing relationships with the very species that gave them cause."

There was an uncomfortable chuckle and then the room was silent with one nod of agreement. I'd made more than my point. I'd also given my opinion on "being offended." If I lived my life worried every minute about whether or not I was offending someone, I'd stay in bed all day.

The fact of the matter is, "being offended" is simply your discovery that not all participants of the human race hold the exact same beliefs as you do. That's it! It's not an attack on you as an individual. It's simply discovering that other people have differing opinions about life and for everyone to assume that we must all bend to one train of thought is ludicrous.

I'm always amazed that peace activists usually start a riot, environmentalists drive spikes into the very trees they want to save, and people demanding that I submit to their beliefs on the grounds that I shouldn't offend them obviously have no regard for what I believe.

Hmmm! Here's what I think. The bottom line is, I need to grow up and accept the fact that I'm not the only person on a planet of 6 billion people. I need to share my toys, share responsibilities and share my beliefs without having to consider what's fair, what's popular, and what's offensive. I simply will let you say your piece and then you let me say mine. Then, let's move on.

The next time you come to me with your "I was offended" hammer and try doinking me on the head with it so I'll submit to your beliefs, I won't be offended if you get angry with my new found ability to ignore you.