Lets Break Barriers, But Don't Take Offense

Why are people selectively offended? 

Let me clarify. 

I seem to notice that people take offense much easier to certain things, subjects and/or people than with others. Take music for example. Now, I listen to a lot of hip-hop music and I love the stuff. But fairly enough, the subjects which are addressed may not always be PG-13, but that's why I fucking love it so much as well. (Whoops didn't mean to offend you). One thing I always hear is that all rap music is about is drugs, money and shit talking women. Sure some of it may be, but I suppose that is the diversity of the music. You get some positives with the negatives. Let me get back to the point - so if hip-hop music is indeed offensive to you for the reason that its about the aforementioned subjects, then why does a lot of mainstream music not affect you in the same way? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I often find that the top 40 songs can be just as "offensive" as some hip-hop music. However it feels that people just tend to be more easily offended by the rap artists. Why is that? Is it a class thing? Is it subconscious racism - let me explain. Hip-hop has for a long time been a predominantly black culture. That is not to say that I believe it should be exclusive only to a certain race. I do question though whether that is sometimes a part of it that people will never admit to? Say if a group like Cypress Hill creates a song about smoking weed (yes they have a fair amount), why would that be any more offensive than The Beatles singing one of their drug ballads? Is it because the Beatles never said, "fuck" on any of their records? Is it because the Beatles played the guitar, the drums and sang their songs? Is it because Cypress Hill dresses in baggy clothing? Is it because Cypress Hill uses slang in their rhymes? Is it because Cypress Hill says "fuck", "shit", and "nigga"? Really though, if that is the case then why do these same people watch movies about all the same things? Somehow the word "fuck" becomes less offensive when Johnny Depp uses it? 

One thing I've noticed, is people seem to find comfort in being offended. Its as if it gives them some moral high-ground. The idea of not associating one's self with such low cultures as hip-hop culture is somehow rewarding. Sure you don't have to enjoy the hip-hop culture, or listen to rap music, however being ignorant to it is another thing. 

I have used hip-hop music as an example because I feel its something I am comfortable speaking about and know enough about to validate my arguments. Although really it can be applied to anything. Take for example the way an individual dresses and the way people respond to that accordingly. I have noticed that when I dress "nicely" in a collared shirt, more tight fighting (not talking skinny here) jeans, dress shoes and no hat of any sort people are much more friendly to me. I like to say hello to people when I pass them in the street or trail, especially when its not a busy pathway. However I've noticed that when I am dressed up in a baggy hoodie, my jeans are rolled up, I'm wearing big boots, sunglasses, and have my snapback tilted to the back people almost avoid me at all costs - perhaps for their own safety? (hahahaha). Yet when suited up in attire #1 people often will approach me and say hello. Again, why is that? Does my outfit offend you? Does it make you feel uneasy? When making a judgement about something - to the point we are offended by it before even giving it a chance. This is a barrier I think we as a society need to break down.

“It's now very common to hear people say, 'I'm rather offended by that.' As if that gives them certain rights. It's actually nothing more... than a whine. 'I find that offensive.' It has no meaning; it has no purpose; it has no reason to be respected as a phrase. 'I am offended by that.' Well, so fucking what." - Stephen Fry