The world is a magical place full of people waiting to be offended by something ;)

July 2016

(Source: Google)

I diligently followed the recent episode between Priyanka Chopra and an AIB member, whose BMF (Brain to Mouth Filter :P) is possibly non-existent (unlike mine which atleast is partly functional ;) consequently making AIB the roast of the nation :P. An AIB member made fun of PC's American accent, and was trolled mercilessly by all and sundry. Surprisingly, his 'knight in shining armor' turned out to be PC herself, who ended the debate by saying "Guys it was a joke!! From me and him!! Comedy is the smartest form of entertainment!!" Kudos gal...Way to go girl 👍

In the daily course of life, we all come across people who are offended by everything under the sun (and the moon, and the clouds) -- the co-worker who looks daggers at me because I went for my cuppa coffee after she specifically told me to go on as her work would take time (hell, what was I supposed to do - hound her like a stalker); the bus mate who believes that the particular seat I am sitting on belongs to her as she saw it first from the corner of her eye; the neighbors who complain about the incessant rains, inefficient municipalities, potholes and horrendous traffic jams; the same neighbors who prophecize that two continuous sunny days will lead to world famine; endless debates about corruption, media, politics, 'XYZ generation' not caring about the older generation... And the list is never ending. You get the drift right. 

I am sure you are also keen on joining the "easily offended" tribe for getting offended by people who get offended (reference from "easily offended category"). Lol. Without trying to propound Freudian theories on why people get so easily offended (neither am I academically qualified nor a disciple of pschyo-analysis), I believe the reasons vary from simply being bored to complex interplay of factors leading to self-victimization complex. 

To me, the most important aspect is the solution, which I believe lies in ascertaining one's "intention" before hanging someone out to dry. This point is superbly driven across in "The skit" (Season 6 Episode 17) of 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. Ray and Debra (the lead couple) write a skit for their family friends Lee and Stan's anniversary party, in which they compare Stan and Lee's normal marriage to Marie and Frank's (Ray's parents) unusual one. They are a big hit at the party. Later, Marie and Frank imitate Debra and Ray, and they get offended. And when they are accused of being too sensitive and not being able to take a joke while they obviously love playing jokes on others, they pretend they can but actually are unable to digest being made fun of. 

These thoughts of mine about intention and maturity have been well articulated in Matt welsh's Blog (it's a lengthy article touching on quite a number of aspects), so cutting to the chase, I will quote the Absolute truths that he has mentioned at the end of the article. 

1. If it wasn't intended to offend you, you shouldn't be offended.

2. You do not get to decide someone else's intentions. They do.

3. Being offended is a choice you make. Nobody is responsible for that choice but you.

4. Even if the slight was intended and deliberate, functioning adults understand that they must move on and not dwell over every sideways glance or rude comment. 

I know the question on the tip of your tongue is 'So what is the point of all this rant?' And my answer is similar to the one I mentioned in an earlier article of mine "The best antidote ever - Goodies bag filled with laughter moments". Yes, the world is sometimes an unpleasant and tough place to live in; but life is too short to get worked up about Modi's degrees or perceived and imaginary hurts; and whenever you or I feel like erupting like Mount Vesuvius (or any other volcano of one's choice), let's take a deep breath and remember: 

                    

(Source: Google)