Blasphemy

[Minimalist]

Calling a black person "n***er" is offensive to them,

That depends......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwejDybX8oA


NSFW....unless you have head phones.

[Rwandrall]

It's different if it's a A. Black, B. Comedian, C. Clearly intentional. ^^

Also, he does not target a specific individual or community, and does not make generalizations, which means it cannot really be seen as offensive.

But i understand what you mean about context. But in this discussion, over the Internet or even in real life, if it's sarcasm or humor, the other person doesn't necessarily perceive it that way, and as such may be offended. And when you insult someone, it creates an immediate antagonism, which prevents the other person from even considering your views since their mind is already made.

Again, you can't convince people with insult, even if it is sarcasm.

[OnlyNatural]

Insulting religion is fine, but insulting the religious is not. Have you ever been convinced of anything because someone says you are a moron for believing it ?

I agree, insulting the person by calling them 'stupid' or 'crazy' is counterproductive and hurtful. But beliefs and ideas in themselves are definitely open to criticism. The problem is that some people hold their beliefs as sacred and as a deeply meaningful part of themselves, and will be offended anyway if these beliefs are targeted or questioned.

[Minimalist]

Again, you can't convince people with insult, even if it is sarcasm.

You're right about that however most of the jesus-freaks ( or allah-freaks) who show up here are not interested in being convinced about anything. They are here to spread their holy horseshit and think that they are getting brownie points from whatever deity they represent.

They are easily insulted.

[Justtristo]

Let me start by saying that any kind of blasphemy law is stupid and injust.

But there are laws about offending people. Calling a black person "n***er" is offensive to them, because it is insultive towards a part of who they are. Same goes for religion. Believe it or not, the religious hold their beliefs as important, and insulting them is offensive to them. Of course there shouldn't be any laws against blasphemy but saying they have no right to be offended is simply false. Insults don't actually "harm" anyone in a physical manner, but they do "moral" harm.

If someone said that atheists were amoral monsters who should not be considered citizens, then atheists would be offended. Why is insulting the religious any different ?

To me, insulting theists, saying they are blinded idiots who want to stay in the bronze age, is petty and childish, and in no way favorizes any kind of discussion. What they see instead, is condescension and arrogance from atheists who seem to think they are superior human beings becomes of their rejection of religion. And as such, these atheists appear as intolerant bigots. Of course their intention may be otherwise, but that IS the end result.

Insulting religion is fine, but insulting the religious is not. Have you ever been convinced of anything because someone says you are a moron for believing it ?

Rwandrall, people don't get a choice in being White or Black. However people do get a choice on what religion beliefs they hold.

[GANIMEDE]

The existance on any religion which preaches the existance of an all-powerfull, center-of-the-universe-humanoid-creator who constantly worries what people might be saying about him, is offensive to the feelings millions of thinking human beings.

What all three of the monotheistic religions have in common, is the "indesputability"of their various "sacred scriptures". Judeo-Christian-Islam is intolerant of any form of democracy or any form of free intellectual activity. ERGO: Reject the "Laws against Blasphemy" and you reject, at once, the entire basis of the religion.

[Watson]

The existance on any religion which preaches the existance of an all-powerfull, center-of-the-universe-humanoid-creator who constantly wworries what people might be saying about him, is offensive to the feelings millions of thinking human beings.

What all three of the monotheistic religions have in common, is the "indesputability"of their various "sacred scriptures". Judeo-Christian-Islam is intolerant of any form of democracy or any form of free intellectual activity. ERGO: Reject the "Laws against Blasphemy" and you reject, at once, the entire basis of the religion.

That isn't even remotely what Christianity is about.

^----Ohohoho, geddit?

Anyway. I am not insulted when one disrespects or insults my religion, or even when they disrespect or insult me. I see it more as a reflection of the person who is doing the insulting, stay confident in my own feelings, and move on with my life. I think if more people treated it like that we wouldn't have so much 'offense' and all this attempt toward 'political correctness' would go away.

[GANIMEDE]

WATSON:
"I am not insulted when one disrespects or insults my religion, or even when they disrespect or insult me. I see it more as a reflection of the person who is doing the insulting, stay confident in my own feelings, and move on with my life. I think if more people treated it like that we wouldn't have so much 'offense' and all this attempt toward 'political correctness' would go away".

This is a discussion forum. If you feel offended, injured or insulted by the mere expression a well thought out logical opinion, why even partake is such discussions? Why not retreat completely into your warm, cozy and comfortable "faith" ? ? ?

Alcoholics retreat into drunkeness. Drug addicts retreat into their drug induced stupors. The ultra religious allways have their "Devine Revelation" to comfort them. The rest of us will continue to live in the real world, and apply our brains to all lifes challenges, ailments, mysteries and beauties.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Again, you can't convince people with insult, even if it is sarcasm.

Umm, actually you can. It's a powerful way of making people think,it's called 'satire'. The basis of satire is exaggeration and use of the Platonic method of 'reductio ad absurdum. Satire can be deliberately, grossly offensive.

A broad observation I've made over some years; many of the more rigidly dogmatic Muslims seem to believe Allah lacks a sense of humour.

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I refer you to "How To Talk Dirty And Influence People" by Lenny Bruce,father modern stand up comedy.

Reductio ad absurdum (Latin: "reduction to the absurd") is a form of argument in which a proposition is disproven by following its implications logically to an absurd consequence.[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reductio_ad_absurdum

[GANIMEDE]

It is only my heartfelt desire to save all humanity from the follies of blind obedience to a silent, remote and appearantly long lost "Prime Mover" which inspires my sarcasm. Believe me, I have only the best interest of my fellow humans in mind. But clear, rational thinking requires a desire for thought, just as Christian Redemption requires a desire to be uplifted and warmed by the love a "Father-Creator".

Honest question: Why does this great benevolent father not speak directly to humans? Why does all his communication come to us through the mouths, and off the lips of, falable mortals?

From what does this great creator hide?