by Brittany Lytle

Created on: April 30, 2009

Not everyone can tread lightly through society's garden party.

There is inevitably the town drunk reeling through the backyard, knocking over expensive dishes, the bigot loudly proclaiming the damnation of a group of innocent people, a haughty critic sipping from his floral print tea cup, leeching a living off of creative individuals and then intentionally aiming to hurt them with low-blow remarks, a red-neck with a napkin tucked down into the torn neck of his flannel spewing racial slurs and droplets of barbecue sauce. An insensitive jerk in plaid shorts will be seated sipping wine coolers nearby who refuses to learn every politically correct term to apply into simple conversation. And he'll be just across from an on-line article writer coining numerous unsightly stereotypes.

These creatures will always exist, they will always offend, and they have every right to do so.

For most people, offending another person is embarrassing and unintentional. This manner of offense occurs most often when one person makes an off-hand comment that wasn't designed to intentionally cause another person distress. More often than not, the comment is ignored and the conversation moves on unless the "offender" dwells on the subject. This is unlikely because most people easily pick up signs of tension or distress and will try to avoid arousing strong emotions.

For some, offending people is part of a shameless life style or choice. Homosexuals are a popular example of a lifestyle that draws negative attention, but it is a guiltless existence that in no way harms other people any more than a straight couple does. These people have no control over who they offend. Existing is perfectly within the rights of any species, correct?

For a few, offending others is a pleasurable or lucrative way of life. Others purposefully choose to offend by making someone or some group the target of rude remarks or behavior. Critics use the creativity of others to make a living, and at times a bad critique will create offensive falsities or attack the artist rather than offer constructive criticism.

On the other hand, an artist may target a specific group and slander them under the guise of art. These cruel actions are within any person's rights because of freedom of speech and expression. It is not worth giving up such a wonderful freedom just because of a few hurtful remarks. If someone is being intentionally hurtful, perhaps someone did the same to them and they are lashing out. Stop the circle of cruelty and be slow to pass judgement on others.

And one in a million take offending others to heart. Offense becomes dangerous when it is fueled by a twisted and passionate hate. This is still a right because of the existence of free speech, but it is risky business. If you poke a bear with a stick for too long, it will wake up and maul you. This is where the line begins to blur - when innocent people get hurt because of an extremist view.

Offending people can be a good thing. It could test their beliefs and make them question their views. In turn, this could make their beliefs stronger or it could be an eye-opening experience.

People take offense too easily. Brush it off. Stand up. Be yourself.

Offend somebody.

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