I've seen copious amounts of banter - but as yet, no one - not one, has come up with suggestions of exactly where this line between teasing and offensive behaviour should be drawn!

I'm not sure there can be a definitive answer, Akuma. I think in the end It comes down to respecting the feelings of others.and not believing it's OK to say whatever you like whenever you like just because you can.

Gratuitous spitefuless always crosses the line and  if you know some people find some words deeply  hurtfulor offensive then common politeness dictates that then you don't use those words in their presence. The problem is, some people believe  if something doesn't offend them personally then nobody else has a right to be offended by it either.

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@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

I've seen copious amounts of banter - but as yet, no one - not one, has come up with suggestions of exactly where this line between teasing and offensive behaviour should be drawn!

 

I'm not sure there can be a definitive answer, Akuma. I think in the end It comes down to respecting the feelings of others.and not believing it's OK to say whatever you like whenever you like just because you can.

 

Gratuitous spitefuless always crosses the line and  if you know some people find some words deeply  hurtfulor offensive then common politeness dictates that then you don't use those words in their presence. The problem is, some people believe  if something doesn't offend them personally then nobody else has a right to be offended by it either.

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Too true - and thanks for at least attempting some delineation in the thread.

Again, though, the main issue is that some are just too easliy offended - or at least willing to take offense at the drop of a hat - possibly as a defense against acknowledging someone else may have just as valid an opinion as theirs, but don't wish theirs to be usurped.

Given the career path I chose, I've been called some pretty awful things - things that I know would shock and outrage others. But I've also been mature enough to move past them, and hold no grudges.

"Again, though, the main issue is that some are just too easliy offended - or at least willing to take offense at the drop of a hat - possibly as a defense against acknowledging someone else may have just as valid an opinion as theirs, but don't wish theirs to be usurped."

And it's those people who cop it the worst.

Even the media make fun of them because they are guarnateed to get a response that will sell newspapers, the TV show etc.

Greenies are always good for a spot of fishing because in a lot of cases they are very hypocritical, being so far removed

from being Green it's not funny.

Need I say more?

Sometimes, though, it's not the effect words have on you, but the effect they have on those who have the power to do you harm

This is one cartoon from a while back that cropped up when a number of Indians were the target of crime in Vic.

Would be interested on what people think of it.

I have cut and pasted some commentary text (the bolding is mine).

"Political cartoons can be very unfair, very offensive and cutting.

While I did laugh when I saw it, the fact of the matter is that Indians have been the victim of serious crimes in Victoria and the police, rightly or wrong, have not been perceived as being proactive as they should have been. This is no laughing matter. For that reason this is a good political cartoon. Rather than being indignant, Victoria Police should ignore it, and concentrate on catching the crims."

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@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

Sometimes, though, it's not the effect words have on you, but the effect they have on those who have the power to do you harm

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Too true...especially if you factor in Religion!

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@aps1080 wrote:

 

 

Greenies are always good for a spot of fishing because in a lot of cases they are very hypocritical, being so far removed

from being Green it's not funny.

 

 

 

 

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Ah...fishin'. I loves my fishin'.

Sometimes I don't even have to move from my armchair to dangle a line, get a bite and let 'em run!

And when you hear the whiz and high speed whirring of the spindle as the lines reels out,

it's music to the ears

I have a rule which is generally true, you go through (as in break) about a keyboard a year or 2

JUST from posting on forums while drinking coffee ! (or tea).

Does that apply to you ?

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@the_great_she_elephant wrote:

Sometimes, though, it's not the effect words have on you, but the effect they have on those who have the power to do you harm

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Yes, this is a very good point. However, should we be content  to live in fear, under threat of violence from those in our society who would suppress our right to speak about things and issues which really concern us?

Blackmail is a crime and a real offence in law. I don't want to be blackmailed into silence by someone who has no other argument to offer me except  a threat of violence.

That's no way to live.