by M. L. Kiser

Created on: May 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 25, 2011

As a nation, America has become way too petty and nitpicky.  You can virtually sue anyone in this country for nearly anything, including things said to you or about you.

While it is every American's right to say what they think or want to; much of what we say is offensive to others.  Nevertheless, we seem to insist on making derogatory remarks about each other with comments, names despite how much or whom we offend; one has to wonder, does simple courtesy exists in America today?  On the surface, it would seem that it doesn't exist at all.

Christians can't post the Ten Commandments because other religions are offended.  Yet, no one has ever tried posting the basics of Judaism, the basic tenets of Buddhism or any other religions governing rules and laws in a courthouse.  I for one would not be offended if they were all side-by-side on the same wall of the courthouse; after all, they are quite similar.  So what if the wording is different?  It does no harm to see a different viewpoint.  It only allows for more understanding between peoples, races, and religions.

During the religious holidays, I have no objection, to a large Menorah sitting next to the big Christmas tree in, “Times Square”, nor to any other religions symbols, that may be included.  I have known Muslim's and Christians who have celebrated Christmas and Ramadan together.  It's simple consideration for one's fellow human beings.

We seem to be taking away each other's freedoms and rights in this country, more and more because of our narrow-mindedness and prejudices.  Yet, if we are to continue being part of the family of humankind then we must learn tolerance.  Tolerance for one another’s opinions, ideas, lifestyles, political views, social preferences, race and gender; it is only right and good that we do so.

While being offended is an individual’s right, we have to be a bit reasonable about how we react.  We can't continue to stomp people's CD's because our political views are different.  Nor can we keep expelling children from grade school for turning cartwheels or for bringing "Jello" shots for lunch.  It's so asinine the way that we go about censoring one another’s freedoms.  One bad turn only gets’ another and the vicious cycle continues.

Granted that there are some things that in the overall range of human and social acceptance that should be outlawed, e.g., child porn, molestation, kidnapping, rape, physical, mental or emotional abuse, stalking, theft and murder, for instance, but we seem to go way overboard with regard to allowing each other's views, opinions, comments and beliefs.  Such censorship is the mark of an ignorant and petty society.

Simple consideration for another individual’s feelings and opinions should be practiced by everyone in society; anyone offended by something said or done to them, should be able to accept an apology while those doing the offending should be adult enough to apologize when they offend.

While there is nothing wrong with being offended, we have to learn to stop taking offense to every teensy thing.  We seem to prefer acting like immature children while at the same time boasting about how we value education.  It is neither adult nor educated to take offense at every little thing that comes our way.  At some point, we all have to stop and ask ourselves, "Have I gone too far?"  That includes both those of us doing the offending and those on the receiving end.  Then and only then can we make headway as a society of dignified and humane human beings.

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