by Martin Dansky

Created on: August 21, 2009   Last Updated: August 22, 2009

One first has to understand what the parameters of being offensive are, certain cultures have their limits and use different means to offend their own kind or an unwanted foreigner. One's inability in not liking to be an object of the offense should not limit that same person from being offensive given an opportune moment. He may be defending himself or not have another choice at his disposal. Even if he has a choice, or has acted abruptly, we have to contend with the different levels of consciousness that exists in most societies where offensiveness is contentious.

There has to be an understanding about what the rights people have to express themselves and how to react accordingly. This borders on knowing their basic freedoms. Given that one also should not be splitting hairs by stating what differentiating between the word 'offensive' means and other words like 'disrespect' which could involve an offensive 'act'.

Offensive behavior and disrespect go hand in hand but that does not mean that one cannot be offensive without having respect for an institution or cause. One is aware of cemeteries that have been desecrated by groups who have offended their target and the action of disturbing the resting site of the diseased is considered a great lack of respect to the families concerned and to the society which has nurtured acceptance of different denominations within its midst.

On the other hand if a best friend is offended by a course of action, there may be be no lack of respect intended. He might be the object of being put in his place because if an over-inflated ego. His friend could be acting intentionally to bring attention to the ego, so that person has a choice of how to conduct himself better in the future.

A debate like this should include how people are offended and alternative means of communication if abrasiveness is not the desired course of action. After all we have a choice of words and actions that we can freely use. Those words and actions are going to inevitably include undesirable elements that will not be liked by someone.There has to be an understanding that the offensive language user is often going through a transitional state that modifies with time and taken on new characteristics. Here what may be seen as only offensive can be shrugged of especially when it is a parent deal with an unruly child that only imitates his peers. This of course does not make the choice of language "right."

What I am saying is that we do not have

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