Saturday, February 16, 2013

Are You Too Desensitized To Know If Your Funny T-Shirts Are Offensive?

By Simon Ladd


So, you've just bought some funny t-shirts from somewhere on the Interweb. Congratulations on your new purchase! You're now ready to wear your new clothes out into the world and brighten the day of all you encounter with cheerful laughs and good times for all. You put on one of your new funny t-shirts and go to the Farmer's Market, where you plan on buying some delicious tomatoes.

You no sooner walk up to the farmer's stand and notice that the booth attendant is reading your shirt. You smile broadly, getting ready to accept your due admirations for your excellent choice of t-shirt. Instead, you find yourself getting yelled at. Oh no! The woman at the booth thinks your shirt is offensive! She's mad and refuses to sell you her delicious wares! You leave in hurt confusion, your recipe is ruined, and no one likes your funny t-shirts. What happened?

The problem lies with a generational gap the size of the Grand Canyon. You grew up nursing from the Internet like a calf from an udder. You have learned much of what you know from things you saw on the Web. The older generations only know of the Internet as a place to check your bank account. Think of all the terrible, profane things you've seen on the Web. Don't you think that may have blurred the lines of what is offensive and what is not within your own mind? The word "jaded" does not even begin to touch upon how you view funny t-shirts. You don't even know what "offensive" means any longer.

You may not realize it due to your jaded nature, but your funny t-shirts could very well be offensive. If you are too jaded to figure it out, you need to look carefully at your shirts and run through a mental checklist of offensive material to make certain your shirts are safe to wear out in the real world. You also need to understand that some things that seem hilarious on a computer, may not be so funny to everyone else. Just make sure that your shirt isn't about anything sexual, offensive words, religious, or political statements. Simple, right?

Where do you stand on this issue? Do you feel that the Freedom of Expression is more important than the grief of one woman who may be angered at your abortion humor? Should you have the chance to say whatever you want, no matter what kind of damage is may do in a social situation. I've always felt that the old adage, "First, do no harm." to be a good thing. Is there even a right answer to the question of what is "too" offensive? I suppose the only way to find out is to wear your funny t-shirts and see what happens.




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