Are you easily offended?

[Anonymous]

The other thread (which mentioned not saying anything except about the weather) started me thinking. When you meet people or don't know someone well, how much you censor yourself? Obviously most adults do not look to say hateful, hurtful or inappropriate things - I am not referring to the obvious. And the old saying about politics and religion, perhaps that holds true. But what do you really think twice (or more) about before mentioning? I am curious.

For example, I was at the dog park the other day. Most people there do not know each other (and vary their visiting times). A discussion started because two people were from Australia. A woman asked about their dogs and a friendly chat ensued, as most would find normal. Another woman was offended at what took place: the party that was talking to the couple stated she "was in favor of Australias immigration policy, as the likes of me (the woman talking) would be there right now". Clearly it was in jest, the woman had visited Australia often and was familiar with a certain policy (may not still be in effect, I haven't bothered to check, nor is it here nor there for the purpose of this discussion). The setting was such that there were a bunch of people standing around in relatively close proximity to each other, and it was intended to be a friendly chat about a place that was fond to the two parties speaking. The couple went on to answer that this area is too crowded when the woman inquired, which the woman felt added to her point. The other woman (not talking) was offended, but it was not clear why. She let out a rude noise akin to a sigh. Anyway, there was no reason to think the discussion was rude unless you were ignorant about the topic at hand. Oversensitive, as it was.

Perhaps this is not the best example. I thought this would be an interesting question. Without the snark, of course.

[Anonymous]

I'm really kind of confused by your whole Australia anecdote, but to reply to the original question: No, I am not easily offended and find it laughable sometimes what people will think to apologize for. A friend of mine, when we first met, talked about wanting to punch a kid who was being mean to other kids at the playground. I obviously knew she was joking and we all have moments where we think that. The next day she said, "I'm just mortified and wanted to let you know- I would NEVER punch a kid, let alone someone else's." It would never occur to me to be offended by that but I guess some people would be.

[Anonymous]

I'm easily PO'd by rudeness, whether it's on DCUM or in a discussion of Australia. Being PO'd is different from being offended.

[Anonymous]

Well discussing immigration issues is discussing politics! I am not that easily offended. I do get annoyed by what I percieve is stupidity or incorrect but they should have just discussed how they liked australia since they didn't know each other. Negativity, political or not, can make situations awkward. Keep it light when chit chatting.