IMO, the term “offense” and all of its psuedonyms is purely relative. It’s an emotional response to a comment, not a rational or analytical one.
It’s all in how the receiver perceives the message and the messenger.
There will be those who read something seeking to find offense instead of reading to gain knowledge. And there are those who enter into the fray with preconceived notions about the intentions or motives of the poster based on posting history or reputation. Some are well deserved, but it can be used to taint others who give the appearance of or directly support the claim/information of the poster.
No benefit of the doubt is given to the poster, they’re considered a “hater, bigot, lout, etc., etc” because they’ve posted something contrary to what the receiver expects or is accustomed to.
I don’t believe there is any “safe” ground or position from which to posit or opine.
Someone is going to find a way to be “offended”.
Someone is going to find a way to be offended.
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Very true, SZ.