[titzer]

An unstated premise of this article is that most people are self-reflective and introspective. Most people aren't. Being offended is exactly the emotional response we need less of, no matter whether that is coupled with some supposedly helpful self-reflection that should follow.

I will posit we need less of any kind activity or thought that puts ourselves--thoughts, feelings, proclivities, reactions--at the center. You just aren't that important. Stop focusing on yourself and just follow facts. Listen to other people. Not "active listening" or trying to find a way in to insert your own thoughts, conclusions or bright ideas. Just bloody listen and follow facts and stop thinking your opinions amount to more than a hill of beans. You aren't that dang important and your ego is wily, desperately maneuvering to put it at the center of your thoughts. Offense is just one of its tactics.

Stop being offended that the sky is blue, stars burn hydrogen and termites eat your walls.

[rez9x]

I'd be surprised if even 10% of people--Americans at least--are capable of regular introspection. It is not a trait I have been able to identify in many others.

Interestingly, this posts headline offended me. I'm glad I read it in its entirety, but the entire way through I was struggling with dismissing the article because of a similar opinion to your own.

[1970-01-01]

>An unstated premise of this article is that most people are self-reflective and introspective. Most people aren't. Being offended is exactly the emotional response we need less of, no matter whether that is coupled with some supposedly helpful self-reflection that should follow.

I do find that intentially 'offending' people using facts and science on racism, sexism, ageism, nationalism, and all the other deeply rooted -isms that one stumbles upon does nothing to sprur an introspective change. It often backfires to the point of others defending their initial viewpoint.