I’ll admit that I sometimes find it really frustrating living in a culture where so many seem to be queuing up to be offended. The trendy new human right ‘not to be offended’ surely comes with a number of really problematic elements:
1 It prevents important dialogue/debate. There are some things which simply cannot be discussed in a calm and rational way no matter how vital it is that we do so. This is particularly convenient if a position does not stand up to close scrutiny!
2 It is unprovable. There is no way of knowing for sure whether someone really is offended. All that is necessary is for someone to say that they are and that is the end of the matter.
3 It is manipulative. If person x doesn’t like what person y is saying, all they have to do is say that they are offended and person x has to stop saying it – even if they are saying something entirely reasonable.
4 It trivialises real hurt. There are situations where individuals are treated shamefully by others (e.g. in the media or by community gossip) and in rushing to be offended by the slightest affront, we are devaluing their pain and suffering.
5 Christians can get caught up in it too! The honour of Christ and reputation of the gospel is rarely promoted by playing the “offendedness” card. It just looks as though we are running scared of open debate/discussion and the only thing we have left is to ask others to feel sorry for us.
Yours peaceably
Simon