We face once again the conflict between freedom of speech and the alleged right not to be offended.
There is an easy way, actually, not to be offended, and that is: Don't look at the offending material. That is the way freedom of speech works. I'm free to draw a cartoon, and you're free not to look at it!
But... no. There is a certain joy many people find in being offended. Righteous anger is often an enjoyable emotion, particularly for miserable people, particularly when experienced as part of a group that shares your rage.
Your lives on earth are hell?
Well, wave your knives and yell!
3 comments:
"Righteous anger is often an enjoyable emotion"
It's funny how you said the same thing I noticed about these mobs. Many of the images of these rioters showed they were quite enjoying themselves in all their plundering and destruction... they could be seen laughing, smiling, yelling, just having a good ol' time - Islamic style!
Hmm... but I personally do feel an emotion of anger (hmm, disdain? condescension?) against these mobs too... and it's righteous anger - righteous in the right use of the word.
I think we enjoy righteous anger partly because it is such an intense experience of our own values and valuing capacity.
On the other hand, it's key to make sure it is aimed appropriately and based on reality.
Yes. Good point. Valuing does imply judging. But this one should tread carefully in these matters...
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