10 Comments

No matter what you say, somebody will always be offended. Sometimes, you just can't sacrifice authenticity, independence of thought, and the relentless pursuit of truth at the altar of agreeableness. Very good (and very relatable) article, thank you! Also, love that you quoted Hitchens, haha!

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Yep. I felt angry at Lisa Lampanelli because she made a joke about Cubans crossing to the US on rafts. This comedian asked the audience for their countries of origin, I decided to play along and raised my hand to sharey mom's home country. Well, I bought one of her "Hello ...unty" T-shirts in pink and white and with the famous cat image.

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founding

I agree that being offensive can be very useful. Look at Frederick Douglass's “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?" speech as another example. We mustn't cave to the censors even when folks aren't doing something constructive with their criticism. I would prefer a Wild West of speech rather than a Big Brother protecting our delicate sensibilities. Great points, interesting topic.

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My existence is offensive. So I think it’s ok...

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I think, being offensive should not be the intention. But you should not limit what you want to say by the risk of being offensive. Good satire, although often presenting some truth in an embarassing way, always includes some amount of sympathy for those being exposed. Such that they don't feel completely excluded, and can join in laughing, even if it feels a little bitter (if they have any humor). The focus is on presenting a truth, not to blame.

You are perfectly right: This is an art!

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Dec 25, 2022Liked by Katherine Brodsky

It's quite simple, too provoke thought, check the sense of humor, and IQ.

Being offensive in a sarcastic or even sometimes in an extreme way, works best most of the time. However those that don't pickup on sarcasm tend to easier to offend and have a lower IQ.

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Dec 25, 2022Liked by Katherine Brodsky

I don't think being offensive is good, but when we freely express our thoughts and opinions, we may offend someone, which is true. And this is where the "art of living" comes in: you must be true to yourself and your beliefs and not be afraid to express them.

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Dec 25, 2022Liked by Katherine Brodsky

It seems to me people are more easily offended in recent years. I think it’s often because they’re taking comments personally and are getting defensive. Even if derogatory comments are directed at you, you don’t have to react defensively. Many times comments have more to do with the other person’s baggage and assumptions.

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Dec 25, 2022Liked by Katherine Brodsky

What's the intention and for what/who's good? Donald Trump, Blazing Saddles, Chappelle,

Fox News. Being offensive could be a mechanism for a result. And the result may not always be well received.. fun topic.. too much to text.

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Dec 25, 2022Liked by Katherine Brodsky

On behalf of all pink elephants I find this highly offensive, please stop revealing our hiding places! It's hard enough finding good spots given our size :(

kthxbai

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