You Will Be Offended

Let’s Talk Opinion

I have come across quite a few blogs on WordPress forewarning potential readers that they can expect to be offended by the content on offer. It is a fair warning, although I doubt that everyone heeds it. Some may be sufficiently intrigued to keep scrolling through in search perhaps precisely of the offending post.

On yet other blogs, the disclaimer does not appear, but there is a warning attached to the comment box instead, stating clearly that the owner of the blog will delete any comment using offensive language or those comments intending to offend through content.

If you’ve come here in the hope of being offended, chances are you’ll be disappointed. It is neither because vicbriggs’ blog has a commitment to political correctness, nor is it because it avoids controversial topics. It does neither, and the easily offended will be catered for anywhere.

Here we come to the heart of the matter: whilst I do not walk on eggshells around people and do not pander to all sensitivities, neither do I wilfully aim to upset those whose opinion may differ from my own, even to the point of it being quite the opposite.

In fact I am sure that neither do those bloggers who add the “You will be offended” disclaimer; most I believe do this in order to pre-empt any replies that instead of engaging into a fruitful dialogue on the subject under discussion, use the comment box to rage against the said offence: “I am appalled that anyone should think it appropriate to spew that kind of [insert pejorative adjective of choice here]! You’ve crossed a line! You’re an a***hole for writing this! Don’t go around judging people! How dare you say this?! Sc**w you! This is offensive on so many levels!  Go f**k yourself!”

Oh yes, it can get nasty out there. That’s what the “approve” button was inserted for, I imagine.

Having never been tempted to write an offensive comment myself, I struggle to understand what could possibly motivate others to do so. We all have beliefs, views, political standpoints, and what-have-you so… perhaps we can just agree to disagree and leave it at that.

Where do we draw the line between opinion, self-censorship and free speech in the blogosphere? 

 *

NB: This is an open invitation article for the new series of discussion posts on opinion: Let’s Talk Opinion.

These posts will engage with issues that are important to other bloggers – so it is all about connecting with others on matters close to their heart in the spirit of Project R, yet expanding on the subjects to be considered.

If a topic catches your eye and you would like to contribute, please feel free to add to the comment box, reblog, share, email or message me on Twitter @shardsofsilence.
Or if like me you happen to be a former Hogwartsian send me a letter by owl 😉