Why are people offended by insults?

[Edwardo Piet]

Title says it all. A serious question.

And while we as members of these forums perhaps ponder that question, and give our answers -

- I also invite you - all of you, all the members of these forums - to insult me

I really don't get what all the fuss is about.

There are 2 possibilities when someone insults you the way I see it -

1. You deserve it.

2. You don't deserve it.

If 1., then why the fuck should YOU be offended if YOU deserve it and are right in being insulted?

If 2., then why the fuck be offended if their insult doesn't apply to you?

And if you are unsure if it's 1 or 2, why take it out on the insulter by "taking offense" because of your own uncertainty?

IMPORTANT NOTE: I accept the fact people DO get offended whether I understand it or not, which is why I don't really insult people you may have noticed. But this is still a matter I do not understand and hence personally welcome insults in an attempt to see what all the fuss about (and on a side note: I also find it most amusing - being insulted - too ).

EvF

[Tiberius]

If someone told me I was an {insert insult here} and I didn't think I deserved it, of course I'd get offended. The fact that the insult doesn't apply to you is the reason for the offence caused.

[Edwardo Piet]

If the insult said to me doesn't apply to me then I don't see why I'd care.

So this is all a matter of perspective of course.

I am disgusted at the thought of being a Creationist, but if someone was to call me one as an insult I'd of course laugh at them, being the atheist that I am. I don't see why not to respond this way with all other insults. After all, person A might call me a "bastard" and person B might call me a "Creationist", if I considered both to be untrue and not to apply to me... I don't see why I'd be more bothered by the former, considering I'd rather be a bastard than a creationist

EvF

[Dotard]

Number two dude. Offense is taken normally because the insultive statement does not apply.

Example is if I announced to the world Evie likes performing fellatio on horses. I'm betting this does not apply to you (it is untrue) so offense to the statement is a normal and expected reaction.

You horse sucker.

[Edwardo Piet]

But they gotta prove it.

See my former post to respond why it makes no sense to me to be offended by untruths

It is an untrue statement to say that I am a Creationist. I disgust at the thought of being one. But I'd laugh my balls off if people spread such rumours.

Your post reminded me of the Ali G movie "Oh yeah... well you sucked off a 'orse" - perhaps to paraphrase a tiny bit.

EvF

[Eilonnwy]

I tend to get offended at certain types of insults. I'm most offended my prejudiced or stereotyped insults. If someone brings my gender into a debate that pisses me off like no tomorrow.

On the other hand, if people call me names it's like water on a duck. Unless I'm already in a pissy mood, then insults like moron, idiot, bitch, cunt...they don't bother me. Those insults are meant to get a rise out of me and in most cases I've learned to let them go. Now I laugh at people when they say things like that.

I guess it comes down to whether it's just name calling or the insult is meant to question the integrity of my character or demean me because of my gender. The latter raises my hackles.

[Edwardo Piet]

If I get thwarted with prejudice I feel frustrated at the other person's ignorance. The worse the prejudice the more frustration or even, despair. But I don't get offended in the sense of resentment or being upset because of some 'insult' basically.

EvF

[fr0d0]

Being placid could be akin to lifeless. Passionate people are great too ...it all adds to the mix. As a naturally placid person I've had people try to wind me up... you sort of attract that. It's no biggie (a statement of a placid personality LOL).

Insults can be fun. Generally I favour and promote positivity. Except to you Evie and of course, my bitch

[leo-rcc]

I don't get offended easily, which as a former helpdesk employee helps.

But yes, I do get offended sometimes, and usually that is due to me thinking it is unfair. But I normally let that slide quite easily. When I see others getting insulted unfairly that usually pisses me off way more than insults directed at me.

Dumbass.

[chatpilot]

I personally have been ice cold when it comes to being offended since I was a child, I have had the wonderful ability to not give a shit what others think of me. I live my life my way and feel that as long as long as my way is not harmful to others it's fine. Now if someone truly insists on getting me riled up, all they have to do is attempt to hit me because that is where I draw the line and all bets are off. Verbal abuse doesn't bother me one bit, it never has and it never will.