“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.”
-Thomas Paine
Honesty requires a willingness to communicate things that others may not wish to hear, nor that we relish saying.
From the true patriot rejecting a failed leader’s policies to pointing out an annoying trait or destructive behavior in someone close to us, sometimes what is required is “tough love” to show that we are forthright and truly care.
It has been my experience that offense can only be given where it’s wanted. In our world today there are uncounted millions who want to be offended, and the introduction of politically correct language doesn’t eliminate the occasions of offense, it only clouds truth. Ambiguity is the enemy of truth, and PC language is as ambiguous as it gets.
Neither go to far too offend, or too far not to offend.
That’s my maxim. Civility in public discourse is like asking people not to eat in restaurants. A cursory study of history will show just how uncivil public discourse can get. Can anyone say Aaron Burr? Alexander Hamilton was on the receiving end of a particularly uncivil debate with that man.
The point is, we must have the courage to risk offending others, and the generosity of spirit to not take offense so easily, if we are to continue successfully with this great experiment that is America.
Jon
Thanks Jon,
All good points.
Tom