On Saturday night, I had an interesting conversation with Erin that set me to thinking, and it left me with more questions than answers. We were standing in the checkout line at the New Seasons market on N. Williams Avenue as we waited for our to-go pizza order to be ready just down the street. As the discussion turned to Easter, I (thinking I was being quite humorous) said something about “Zombie Jesus Day.” Her reaction was to ask me to not say that because I might offend someone. The idea that someone would be so hypersensitive as to take offensive over that stunned me.
What struck me was that something said in jest would cause offense to anyone who might have overheard the conversation. Are people really so uptight that their tender sensibilities would be set adrift by a sardonic aside about Easter? At times, it truly seems Americans are addicted to taking umbrage, being offended by the words of others when (as in this case) no offense was intended or implied. “I’m offended” is cause enough to hold someone responsible, even if their words were in do way directed at you. How and when, I wondered, did we arrive at a place that requires me to measure every word with caution, in order that I not offend someone’s tender sensibilities and/or hurt their feelings? Whatever happened to developing a thick skin are understanding that it’s not always about you? If a person is so sensitive and prone to taking offense, perhaps I could offer something for consideration.
If you’re so offended by someone else’s witty aside, perhaps you need to take a look at the strength of your faith and the fragility of your feelings. If you’re so insecure in your belief that a few words set you on edge, doesn’t that say more about you than whatever it may be you’re taking offense over? Why is it that so many are so concerned about someone saying something that they feel belittles their faith…when in fact it’s nothing of the sort? If you’re so easily offended, might I suggest going out in public with ear plugs? That would undoubtedly save you much aggravation. The truth is that NO ONE is responsible for you feelings and sensibilities but yourself, and NO ONE is responsible for ensuring you’re not offended. That’s a choice you make.
When last I checked, a citizen is still guaranteed the right to free speech and expression under the First Amendment. I’m under no obligation to censor myself because someone might take umbrage at something I say. Not that I’m going to be rude or disrespectful, but why should I be worried that someone might be offended by something innocent? I’d never accomplish anything of value if I had to concern myself with the feelings of those around.
Why is the emphasis on someone like myself who doesn’t believe in God not offending Christians? Why do I never hear anyone telling someone to be quiet because they say something about Jesus? It seems as if it’s perfectly acceptable to express a religious thought…as long as it’s about the majority religion. What if someone begins discussing the Resurrection in a room full of militant atheists? Oh, right; that doesn’t count, because…Jesus. Sometimes it feels as if the responsibility to be respectful goes one way, that I’m expected to avoid causing offense to Christians (because evidently being exposed to someone who doesn’t believe in God is threatening) but they bear no concomitant responsibility towards me. Fortunately, I could care less if someone says they love Jesus or if they express sympathy for the Devil…but I’m tired of the double standard.
I try hard to be respectful of others’ beliefs, but let’s face it; if you’re offending by me saying “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!,” you need more than anything to get over yourself. It’s a belief system, not a commentary on your self-perceived superior value as a human being. You’d benefit greatly by learning to take yourself and your beliefs less seriously. If you could see your way clear to losing the self-righteous hypersensitivity, you might notice yourself taking offense less often and enjoying life more.
Just a suggestion…but what do I know? I don’t believe in God, remember?
