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Here is another way it could die down.... Polite and considerate people don't intentionally do things that offend people. This does not mean that we might not do so accidentally however. If someone does something to offend someone, and it is pointed out, the proper response is... "I'm so sorry, I certainly did not mean to offend you, I just wasn't thinking" followed by taking action to stop the offense, whatever it is. The proper response by the person who was offended should be... "Thank you so much. I suspected that you did not intentionally mean to offend, and appreciate your consideration." Unfortunately the offenders too often want to argue that the person offended should not feel that way (as if we can control how we "feel"), and the offended too often assume that the offense was intentional and do not approach it in the right manner in the first place. It sure would be a better world if we ALL tried to take the approach that if someone offends us... it is probably UNINTENTIONAL. With that thought in mind, perhaps we can just ignore it. If it is too big an offense to ignore, then simply pointing it out kindly, is appropriate. "I'm am sure that you never meant to offend anyone.. you just didn't realize that 'so & so' is considered offensive to some people. Of course, in the end, this is a free country and if someone chooses to be unkind and insensitive to other peoples feelings... they have the right to do so, just as people have the right not to associate with those who offend them.
Comment: #2
Posted by: MediumSizedSueOrlando
Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:31 PM
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