Get Over It

I can’t help but have the lyrics to one of my favorite Eagles songs ring through my head as I read this article about an autism advocacy group demanding an apology from CBS for a remark that a contestant made on Big Brother.

You’re kidding me, right? First of all, while I’m not any huge fan of reality game shows, how can the network realistically be held responsible for what a contestant on their show says? Secondly, off-color as the remark may have been, it is that individual’s opinion, and he has a right to express that in America. Thirdly, what good is an “apology” going to do?

Words cause damage, that is certain. We should be conscious of how our words affect those around us. I am aware of that with every word I place out here in the blogosphere. At the end of the day, though, I think its time for America to toughen up a bit. Activist groups and various subcultures announce that they are “offended,” and everyone runs to try to make them feel better. We really should stop that. Being offended is good for us. It makes us think. If you’re going to debate or argue with what someone said, then do so intelligently and constructively, but don’t waste time whining about how you’re “offended.” Hopefully, American culture will stop pandering to those who are “offended” soon.

Because, seriously, they need to get over it.