Why Being Offended Isn't A Bad Thing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Being Offended Isn't A Bad Thing

Why do I have to be less serious about serious issues?

107
Why Being Offended Isn't A Bad Thing
lovethispic.com

You don't get to determine what offends others. You don't get to determine what racial slurs are acceptable if you are not a person of color. You don't get to determine what a female defines as sexual harassment. You don't get to determine what should and should not offend somebody with a mental illness. You don't get to determine what offends others if you are unaffected or obscured from the hate or harassment.

Being offended is not a bad thing. People see females speaking out against rape culture and sexual harassment as whining and a waste of time because "boys will be boys". People see those with mental illness speaking out against appropriating mental disorders as weak and pathetic. People see those who are offended as somebody who just "can't take a joke" or as somebody who just "needs to relax". We don't want to relax. We want others to feel empathy, be able to put themselves in our shoes, and see why we are hurt and outraged.

Privilege is when you don't think an issue exists or you don't acknowledge it because it hasn't affected you. Privilege is a very strong attribute in today's society. Those who have privilege think it is okay to determine this and that for the people around them. They think the world revolves the same for everybody and that there's no reason to complain if they don't see it fit to.

We are whining and complaining because we want change. We want the world to be a kinder, safer place for everyone. We want everyone to feel unified. So yes, we are offended when you are slightly sexist or racist with your comments. We don't want these things to be continued to be normalized when they are nowhere near acceptable. You can't shut down people who are legitimately working for the better of everyone.

We are outraged with the lack of empathy within our society today. We don't want everyone to hurt, we just want everyone to be aware and educated about the struggles facing minorities in society today. We don't want you to continue your racial slurs just because a friend of color didn't speak up about it. We don't want you to continue your sexist comments just because a friend laughed it off. We are scared to speak up sometimes because we are so quick to being shot down. We don't want to relax or take joke, we want to speak up, make ourselves heard, and make a significant difference.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

2154
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1149
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

897
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

832
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments