Do Human Beings Have the Right to Offend?

I have decided that I have a fairly odd mind. When asked if human beings have the right to offend, my brain went off into a million different directions. The first thing I did was try to determine what was offensive. Since offense is pretty much an emotion or at the least an opinion I found it difficult to find what was truly offensive.

There are a few things that offend me, I am sure there are many people who are easily offended. So how does one determine what someone finds offensive? For example, I am somewhat offended by anti gay marriage supporters, at least the ones walking around with signs, but they don't find it offensive at all. As a matter of fact they have the right to express their opinion under the freedom of speech law.

There in lies the problem. There are no strict rules on what is considered offensive. I have a pretty foul mouth on occasion, it may be offensive to some, but not to others, yet I still have the right to say pretty much whatever I'd like.

As long as offensive behavior doesn't break any laws, such as rape, murder, child abuse, discrimination and things of that nature, then yes humans have the right to offend. Do you want to go around purposely offending people? Probably not, but since you don't know what may offend who, you will inevitably offend someone in your lifetime.

This brings the issue to do humans have the right to be offended? Of course they do. Offence is not something you can really control, it just is. Through constantly complaining about things that may be offensive to some is aggravating and pretty much pointless. How people handle what offends them is under their control. If I went around yelling at people holding up signs against gay marriage, would that do me any good? Nope. I know I won't change their mind or behavior. All I would accomplish is upsetting myself, so I choose to ignore it and agree to disagree.

Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh have the right to say what they want to say. If I find what they are saying offensive then I guess I would just have to turn the station. Easy as pie, instantly no longer offended.

In my opinion that is a big problem with today's society. Everyone thinks their rights out weigh the rights of others. If you are offended by what I am saying, walk away. I don't have anymore right to force you listen to me than you do to tell me that I need to keep my mouth shut, just because you may find what I'm saying offensive.