It all depends on the subject matter. We each have different things that can put us on the defensive or even offend us. Sometimes you speak up, sometimes you don't. I try to pick my battles wisely, although there are a few "hot" topics that I might post in and seem on the defensive, or I have even emailed people over. Only so that they might see a different side of it. It usually works. I dunno....life would be dull if we all agreed on everything I guess.

i'M rarely offended. I take everyone with a grain of salt as they should with me.

Last night a coworker told me she didnt like the colour of my uniform.....I could have cared less because I liked it and that's what matters. Her opinion is hers and she is entitled to it. But I dont let what others say affect me.

offense wins games. defense wins championships. and games are won and lost in the trenches.

oh wait, I thought we were talking football. nevermind..


I don't know if I'm best to address this specific question with respect to myself. I have my opinions and I know what is generally incompatible with my way of thought. I try to be open-minded about things but often when people confuse close-mindedness with being firm in one's convictions. Agreeing to something that is in direct conflict with one's convictions isn't being open-minded, in my opinion; it's being spineless..

As far as offending people or being defensive, my opinions often clash with that of others and I don't make appologies for that. Otherwise, what's the point of having an opinion? Maybe it's myopia but I more often find myself willing to see someone else's point of view than the other way around. Alot of times it seems like those that accuse someone of being closed-minded are just frustrated that the other person won't just give in and are being closed-minded themselves.

I don't shy away from confrontation when it comes to points of differing opinion. I think conflict occurs when people begin to throw around pejoratives, insult another's intelligence or falsely attempt to claim some moral high ground attempting to delegitimize someone else's position.

So, for what it's worth, that's my contribution for now.

Let's make a distinction here -- because we have Forum Rules, and those are in place for several reasons -- one of which is because we want to make sure the forums are fun and interesting for everybody, places where we can all go and feel comfortable discussing anything and everything without being attacked, baited, or insulted.

If you've ever tried some of the other sites which have forums, you will almost certainly have seen either or both of these:

a.) the sites where the forums are so monitored and restricted that the simple mention of a brand name can get you booted. Hey, I must have mentioned Pepsi in these forums a thousand times, and I will continue to do so in the hopes they will either pay me or send me free Pepsi. There are sites where I couldn't do that.

b.) the sites where the forums are basically just on-screen war zones, with no oversight or moderation whatsoever.

We don't have that here. We've found a workable middle-ground. It's not perfect, and we're always trying to make it better, but the basic structure has proven itself viable over the past year or so, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished.

So -- from the standpoint of what's "offensive" -- I'd say that anyone who has an understanding of the Forum Rules should have some idea of what works and what doesn't.

My particular issue is with those who take offense over things that are clearly not rules violations -- for example, one person says "I don't think women should wear red shoes because they're too red," and the second person says, "Well, I like red shoes and that's all I wear" and is offended enough to file an abuse report.

That might sound silly and over-reactive, but stuff like that DOES happen!

And THAT'S where I think people really need to take a look at what it is that they're offended by. Someone with a different opinion is not automatically trying to "offend" you!

But I DO like red shoes!

I dont TRY to intentionally offend people, but once-in-awhile there is the slip up and created "heat". Then there may be a little back-pedaling involved or not. Depends.

I find it sad people get offended on here...can't imagine how wacko they are in real life if they get offended here...kind of funny really...and I can understand why they're here...opinions are like @ssholes...everyones got one...who cares...I say the sky is green...you say its blue...whatever

Its a free choice here You can have a difference of opinion and still be offesive and defensive.. I look at it this way.. I am who I am . I have my opinions or thoughts on subjects. Maybe some of them are right , some of them wrong. I am willing to listen to all sides and if someone can show me that their "opinion or view" is better or more right then mine.. I say good for them..It will be up to me to decide if I want to accept it then. But there is no need to be rude, crude or socially unacceptable in an open forum.





btw .. seems to happen way to often...

Offensive...defensive.....

who gives a rats razoo?

Obsessing in life over what happens around you... and taking on other people's opinions is one of the biggest energy wasters about....

why spend volumous amounts of energy and time nurturing a fragile ego????


I can't wait for someone to tell me how it really is............










.....for them.

isn't that quote..." opinions are like a$$ holes, everyone has got one..and they all stink"?

I'm just a punk...which I guess makes me offensive, which I'm alright with.

I just speak my mind.

I personally think any and all sites such as this should still have to follow our constitutional rights (freedom of speech being one) After all, This is America...right???

Que?

i can be both depending.

i can be offensive if i don't watch what i say and just let out my raw opinions...

i can be defensive if i see something that needs to be defended.

I haven't offended anyone.














































Today! I think....

I think a good, healthy debate can be stimuating & even fun! But when someone resorts to name-calling or labelling...it gives me the impression that they have no other way to "fight" their battle...sad, really. And THAT'S what is offensive to me...

searchin...seek and destroy

And then, there are times when someone is in extreme desperate need of a name-calling....unfortunately, that is not permitted....