Hrm. A lot of this depends on the specifics of the situation. Assuming the commenting person was clear about what was offensive (although maybe not why):
- If I know the commenting person and/or value their opinion, then I would apologize and correct the offense. If I have an established relationship with this person, chances are I am at least somewhat aware of their hot-button issues. I don't feel that I need to know exactly why it offended them, that it did is enough.
- If I did not realize at the time that my statement(s) could be seen as offensive to a reasonable person, but now I see that they could be, I would apologize and correct the offense. Regardless of how well I know the commenting party.
- If this issue concerns a closely held personal ideology, then this gets sticky. Example, I absolutely despise Bush. Sometimes I discuss this. Someone else may find that to be offensive. I don't particularly care. That doesn't mean I intend to dive into a room filled with Bush supporters and start ranting. It does mean that if one finds me and is offended by my stance, I am not going to soothe their ruffled feathers any more than I would expect mine to be soothed in the aforementioned room.
- If I find the matter of offense to be unreasonable on the part of the commenting person, then chances are I am going to shrug it off.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-09-08 08:06 am (UTC)- If I know the commenting person and/or value their opinion, then I would apologize and correct the offense. If I have an established relationship with this person, chances are I am at least somewhat aware of their hot-button issues. I don't feel that I need to know exactly why it offended them, that it did is enough.
- If I did not realize at the time that my statement(s) could be seen as offensive to a reasonable person, but now I see that they could be, I would apologize and correct the offense. Regardless of how well I know the commenting party.
- If this issue concerns a closely held personal ideology, then this gets sticky. Example, I absolutely despise Bush. Sometimes I discuss this. Someone else may find that to be offensive. I don't particularly care. That doesn't mean I intend to dive into a room filled with Bush supporters and start ranting. It does mean that if one finds me and is offended by my stance, I am not going to soothe their ruffled feathers any more than I would expect mine to be soothed in the aforementioned room.
- If I find the matter of offense to be unreasonable on the part of the commenting person, then chances are I am going to shrug it off.