Offense, Defense and just plain overkill…

What shocks me the most is not so much the shout of offense but how disrespectful and violent the modern American has become with their objections to certain topics.  It seems like no one can respectfully agree to disagree anymore, that it must always turn into an all out broil; even resulting in violence against another individual.  The headlines carry one outrage after another and it is long past crying wolf, it is barbaric.

Whatever happened to healthy debates?  Or how about respecting diversity?  I recently read a Hindu quote that stated “There are hundreds of paths up the mountain, all leading in the same direction, so it doesnt matter which path you take.  The only one wasting time is the one who runs around and around the mountain, telling everyone else that their path is wrong.” ~ Hindu Teaching.  Nothing could ring more true to me.

I grew up in a family who strongly practiced their way or the highway.  Believe me, you would catch hell for thinking outside of the small box you were confined to.  My upbringing has lead me to despise small-minded, judgmental people with entitlement issues and those characteristics are at the very core of our existing “Offended Monopoly” we Americans have created.  People who are easily offended walk around with a chip on their shoulder just waiting to pounce on the next person who they feel slights them.  Don’t get me wrong, everyone has a right to feel offended, I just do not believe they have a right to censor others based on their offense.  What makes our world a beautiful place is our differences, our various customs and overall diversity in nature.  I think it is prudent for everyone to step outside of their egos, get over yourself and get back to respecting everyone’s right to their own opinions and values.

What say you? Join me tonight at 7PM CST in our live Twitter chat via @maraprose #LetsTalkProse and let’s respectfully discuss this topic.

Until next time, “We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

Mara Prose