Why does offending people matter?

I'm in the middle. I think being nice to people, giving them respect, and trying not to hurt them, physically as well as psychologically, is a good thing.

However, that doesn't mean I'm going to put up with the delusional bullshit from some people who get angry at you for offending them, sometimes because of some irrational idea of theirs, even if it (clearly) wasn't intentional.

I'm somewhere in the middle. I only heard of college safe-spaces recently and OMG that is horrifically dumb and over-sheltered. I wish my skin was a bit thicker, but yeah no one has to be nice. It's nice when they are though!

Depends on what's said and what the situation is.

In most cases though, yes we're far too politically correct, and nobody should be imprisoned for "offense".

Causing "offense" is often the best way people break down stigmas and encourage social change, in particular against religious fundamentalism.

I noticed you asked politely.

Because internationally offending someone innocent is a mean thing to do.

Note that I said innocent. Thus excluding SJWS.

Middle. I'm not racist, sexist or homophobic but I joke about all of it. PC is too extreme, like ridiculous. I am against hate for no good reason but in favor of freedom of speech.

I agree that some of the laws are a little bit overboard as far as what they can charge people with for pretty minor things... especially things involving the internet. I am all for freedom of speech and I think that as far as the law goes, you should be able to say whatever you want. To me, if you say mean things to someone on Facebook or twitter, then there should be nothing wrong with that in the eyes of the law unless you are making a direct threat.

That being said, the world is changing and if you want to have success, at least in most fields, you have to care if people are offended.

I actually think that the new trend in society is to NOT be politically correct. Because of the SJW stuff, the more popular thing to say has become "Stop being so PC, I don't care what you think". For proof of this, just youtube search SJW compilation or feminism and you will see.

Also, I think that before the internet, people were probably much more careful what they said in public and work environments. With the internet, you can hide behind the screen. This has lead to a generation of people who sometimes don't really have a filter when it comes to certain things because they are so used to being able to just blurt out whatever they want on the internet with no consequences.

But like I said... to answer your question: "Why does offending people matter?" It matters because the world is changing and your best bet to success in many things now a days is to be someone who doesn't have issues with any particular group of people. You want to be viewed as polite and respectful. But I understand your frustration. Some of it is pretty BS, but that's just the way it is for now at least.

I'm somewhat in the middle. I think people should be able to have a platform where they can express an honest opinion regarding what they believe to be true or how they see things, but they shouldn't be allowed to bully others who disagree with them into silence. Everyone who legitimately wishes to express an opinion should be able to do so - even if their point of view isn't the most popular one.

Vulgar, attention-seeking, disruptive trolls, on the other hand, should just crawl back under whatever rock they crawled out from, as they clearly don't have anything to contribute.

I think it largely depends on the situation, but people are way too easily offended these days!

You're referring to outrage junkies—getting riled up and distressed is addictive and feels good if you live an otherwise dull life. They consist mostly of people who live in comfort and have never had to face and overcome any real adversity in their lives.

Raised in complete comfort, they're weak and overly sensitive to the point where logic and reason are no longer factors. Many will grow out of it when or if they grow out of their parents' home. Reality is the best cure.

Its a culture war between authoritarians and libertarians.

Go team Milo!