I know I've covered this ground to some extent before, but I wanted to try to be a bit more succinct. The theme resurfaced to me when I read the article about the guy wearing the Jesus shirt in the Mall of America. It would appear that enforcement of rights were demanded.

As a society, we often hear the phrase "I have the right not to be offended." But is this truly a right we possess? The answer is no.

Offense is a natural reaction to ideas and perspectives that challenge our own belief systems and values. It is an emotional response, not a violation of our rights. In a public setting, we are constantly exposed to a diverse range of opinions and ideas. It is inevitable that some of these will offend us.

Furthermore, the concept of "the right not to be offended" implies that individuals have the power to control the thoughts and actions of others. This is not only unrealistic, but also a dangerous precedent to set (see: Hate crimes legislation). It undermines the very principles of freedom of speech and expression that our society is built upon.

This does not mean that there is no such thing as hate speech or discrimination. These actions do violate the rights of others and should be condemned when it is used to incite, for instance. However, the line between speech that is offensive and speech that is harmful is not always clear cut. Well, almost never clear cut. In a free society, it is up to individuals and communities to decide what is acceptable and what is not.

Additionally, being offended can also serve an important purpose... an idea that seems to have been lost in a snowflakian world. It can challenge us to re-examine our own beliefs and values. It can lead to growth and understanding, as long as we approach it with an open mind and a willingness to listen. Unfortunately, some among us are too intellectually lazy to engage in this exercise.

In a public setting, it is important to remember that we are all entitled to our own opinions and perspectives (I'm more fond of saying that everyone is entitled to MY opinion). We may not agree with them, but we must respect the right of others to express them. This means embracing the potential discomfort of being offended, and using it as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

In review and summary, the idea that we have the right not to be offended in a public setting is a fallacy. Offense is an emotional response that is a natural part of being exposed to different ideas and perspectives. Instead of demanding the right not to be offended, we should focus on fostering a society where we can have open and respectful dialogue and where we can learn from each other’s views.

Then again, maybe I'm just a grumpy old fart.