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!
I think we enjoy righteous anger partly because it is such an intense experience of our own values and valuing capacity.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, it's key to make sure it is aimed appropriately and based on reality.