Maria Arpa
This week
Being offended as a choice…
Plus…
Maria’s Midweek Mindfulness
and
The Wednesday Whisper
Choosing dialogue instead.
Now we are reaching the point where we have no idea who will be offended or insulted and over what, I see people withholding their opinions and saying nothing. But saying nothing does not mean they have changed their opinion. It means they don’t tell you what they’re really thinking and by not telling you, you don’t know who you’re really dealing with. The result is at best a lost opportunity for connection and at worst a suppressed hatred. In a world where a wrong or misplaced statement can be repeated on Social Media and possibly ‘go viral’, who would blame someone for keeping schtum?
Instead of being offended or insulted, I’m advocating for being curious. Curiosity opens the possibility for dialogue and transformation.
Rowan Atkinson’s talk on Free Speech is so eloquently put. The answer to speech we don’t like is more speech.
And, one of the greatest, rudest, shocking comedians of all time, Jerry Sadowitz said it really well. Sadowitz is a genius. He targets anyone and anything in his comedy and is unapologetic about his comedy. “I don’t discriminate, I hate everyone equally”
And for clarity, I am talking about open conversation where we all have a choice. Situations where there is a clear power imbalance such as workplaces or domestic violence are another matter entirely. More on that another time.
Maria’s Midweek Mindfulness
Choosing not to be offended is empowering and transformational. Funnily enough, the more I do it, the less it happens.
The Wednesday Whisper
When was the last time you were offended? What could have happened if you had chosen to be curious?
Does this blog have any resonance for you?
Would you be willing to share this blog and repost it?