this post was submitted on
1,165 points (58% like it)
3,827 up votes 2,662 down votes
shortlink:

atheism

subscribe1,124,380 readers

4,067 users here now

Welcome to r/atheism, the web's largest atheist forum. All topics related to atheism, agnosticism and secular living are welcome here. Please read our FAQ.
New posts: New Rising
Self posts: New Relevant
Non-image posts: New Relevant

Recommended reading and viewing

Thank you notes

Related Subreddits <--the big list
GodlessWomen YoungAtheists AtheistParents
BlackAtheism AtheistGems DebateAnAtheist
skeptic agnostic freethought
antitheism humanism Hitchens
a6theism10 tfbd AdviceAtheists
Events
10/5-6 NAPCON2012 - Boston
08/11 Regional Conference - St. Paul MN
Giving
DWB/MSF fundraiser
Kiva lending team
FBB's Appeal to Freethinkers to Fight Cancer
Camp Quest
Ex* Groups
ex-Muslim ex-Catholic ex-Mormon
ex-JW ex-Jew ex-SistersinZion
ex-Bahai ex-Christian ex-Adventist
Assistance
Coming Out
Atheist Havens
Start an Atheist Club at Your School

Chat: #reddit-atheism on irc.freenode.net

Watch: #/r/atheism on reddit.tv

Read The FAQ

Submit Rage Comic

Submit Facebook Chat

Submit Meme

Submit Something Else

a community for
to anything interesting: news article, blog entry, video, picture...
message the moderators

MODERATORS

reddit is a source for what's new and popular online. vote on links that you like or dislike and help decide what's popular, or submit your own! learn more ›

1164
1165

Offended? Who cares? (i.imgur.com)

submitted ago by [deleted]

top 200 commentsshow all 309
sorted by:
best
best
top
new
hot
controversial
old

[–]FatPhil78 12 points13 points ago

Relevant

[–]Bit_Chewy 2 points3 points ago

Steve Hughes is a classic. Why isn't there more of him around?

[–]sinisterdexter42 58 points59 points ago

not really accurate. I'm offended means exactly what it says on the tin, that you find something personally objectionable. basically you're describing a part of yourself, it allows people to understand you more completely; Fry is right in that it doesn't grant any power, it just expresses that you would rather not have to associate with that thing.

for example when I say I find the fuck word offensive (I don't but for arguments sake) I'm not saying that the fuck word is wrong, just that if you want me to like you please don't say it if you can. it's reasonable to be offended by some thing, it's unreasonable to be offended by other things; the point is that it's not about final verdicts. it's just expressing what you would rather not deal with personally.

[–]2-3-5-7 28 points29 points ago

I would say it's very accurate. We all understand the literal meaning of "I'm offended," but nowadays when people say "I'm offended" they mean more than what it says on the tin, and that's what Fry's quote is about. What Fry is saying is that, nowadays, when people say they're offended they automatically think that gives them certain rights, that they have the right not to be offended. His response is something along the lines of "Fuck to that; if you're offended, tough titties; grow a skin." Not that hard to understand, really: it's all explained right there in the quote.

[–]probably_high -1 points0 points ago

So I can still say "that's gay" and then mock or belittle those who claim to be offended. Nice.

[–]SirSandGoblin 7 points8 points ago

It's about censorship. Religious groups trying to shut down shows they find offensive. You can make gay jokes all you like, even fry would agree you shouldn't be censored from being homophobic. He's not belittling offended people. He's saying that being offended doesn't give you the right to stop people being offensive.

[–]knivesngunz 6 points7 points ago

-- on the basis of being offended, alone. He's saying it doesn't hold enough water in itself to be a valid argument, only an expression of opinion.

[–]SirSandGoblin 0 points1 point ago

quite

[–]2-3-5-7 0 points1 point ago

In fact, if you live in the USA, the EU, or most other developed countries, yes, you can. There are laws in all these countries protecting your freedom of expression, which means you can say pretty much anything you want with a few exceptions (incitement to violence or murder, for example).

[–]probably_high 0 points1 point ago

My point is that in a thread where this isn't the topic at hand, most people here would claim I was being offensive if I said what I said in my above comment.

[–]2-3-5-7 0 points1 point ago

I agree, and it probably is offensive, not a nice thing to say, and definitely not something I would say, but I believe you should still have the right to say it (and then people should have the right to tell you you're a dick for that). If you start banning "offensive" stuff, where do you draw the line? You're right on the road to censorship.

[–]probably_high 0 points1 point ago

Right, it shouldn't be banned. I'm just saying it's hypocritical to mock people for being offended in general if you are going to be offended at anything.

[–]sgtcotrez -3 points-2 points ago

Really? What if you're Jewish and I start making Hitler and Holocaust jokes? What if you're black and I start dropping the N word and referencing slavery America. What if you're gay and I say that you should have no rights, and that you're sub-human?

Offended now? Guess it doesn't matter though right? Anyone who is offended is just a big baby.

[–]frondosa 4 points5 points ago

but that's the whole point. if someone is spewing vulgar nonsense, racial slurs or anything else that you find offensive, you should get over it. as long as they're not harming anybody, they get to say whatever they want. you don't get special rights because what they say is offending you. this is not a difficult concept.

[–]2-3-5-7 0 points1 point ago

1) No, I'm not offended now. 2) If I was gay and you told me I have no rights, I would tell you first that's incorrect and second to go fuck yourself, and that would be the end of it. Simple.

Whether you like it or not, most of the civilised world, and especially the USA, have laws protecting the freedom of expression, so even if I was gay or Jew or whatever and I was offended by you, I would have to shrug and grow a thicker skin. Nobody has the right not to be offended. If you started passing laws protecting the right of people not to be offended, where would you draw the line? What if I called you a dimwit, for example, or a knucklehead, would you go crying to the miss? Do you really want to live in a sanitised world where you have to watch every word that comes out of your mouth in case it offends some sensitive soul? Watch Demolition Man, it's an interesting film based on this scenario.

[–]Pterodactylism 15 points16 points ago

Thank you. It's also important to remember that people are often offended for very logical reasons, and it's helpful to the greater dialogue when they make their discomfort known. For example if a gay man is called a "faggot", it is quite reasonable for him to be offended, for the word faggot carries with it a history of oppression, bigotry, and violence.

[edited a typo]

[–]jew_jitsu 4 points5 points ago

And in this country (UK), not sure about others, is hate speech and against the law.

[–]Abedeus 4 points5 points ago

Yep. There's a fine difference between freedom of speech and expression and racism or hate speech.

Saying "I don't like gay people" or "I don't like black people" is fine. Saying "I hate niggers" or "Gays should die" is promoting hate speech.

[–]jew_jitsu 3 points4 points ago

legally fine...

[–]ShadowAssassinQueef 2 points3 points ago

I don't know if your asking a question, but the only times that you can be criminally punished in the good ol' USA is..... umm never. Just maybe some civil stuff, and you can get fired if its at work. That's about it.

Edit: might get harassment charge, but you'd have to be continuously doing inappropriate things, and schools have added level of protection because obvious reasons.

[–]jew_jitsu 2 points3 points ago

Wasn't asking a question, but happy to be informed about other countries.

*you're

[–]ShadowAssassinQueef 1 point2 points ago

thank you for correction, and you are welcome.

load more comments (14 replies)

    [–]El_Impresionante 2 points3 points ago

    Dude! The internet has already been invented. I wonder what you still find so offensive?

    [–]Abedeus 1 point2 points ago

    Except in Poland.

    A celebrity slash singer slash Britney wannabe Dorota Rabczewska was found guilty of insulting religious feelings of some two guys, in an interview she said "I believe in dinosaurs more than the stuff in the Bible, I mean, their authors were probably stoned on some bad weed or drunk on wine when they came up with it", more or less.

    Few months ago, the Supreme Court found that verdict correct (based on the idiotic article 196 of Polish penal codex) and she remained fined for 5000 PLN for insulting religious feelings. She's going to Strasbourg with this bullshit. Incredible violation of freedom of speech imprinted in the penal codex... and judges wasting time and money on something a civil law suit should take care of.

    [–]bothanwhisper 1 point2 points ago

    Absolutely this. I've always taken issue with this quote of Mr. Fry. He completely misses the point of the comment.

    When someone says they're offended, they're telling you how they feel and giving you insight into actions they have as a result.

    I believe on QI I've heard Mr. Fry state, a few times, that he didn't like something or he found some action of some person deplorable. He was giving his opinion, and it has no more weight or purpose than someone saying they're offended.

    [–]cssafc 0 points1 point ago

    'Being offended', where Stephen and I are from, is no longer used as a mere expression of offence. It is used as a tool, a political and social one, by troublemakers who would like to limit freedom of expression. That's what his point is, and his reply? "So fucking what?". I think it's brilliant and utterly relevant.

    [–]sinisterdexter42 1 point2 points ago

    yes this is a problem.

    usually when someone says I'm offended it's implied that they are also saying "I'm offended and I don't think it's correct that my children should be exposed to such a thing, thus I need the power of the legal system to protect their vergin eyes/ears/ect."

    as with urban planning, women with small children are the ones ruining everything.

    [–]masterlopan 0 points1 point ago

    Yeah try r/spacedicks and see if you get offended.

    [–]Fordiman 0 points1 point ago

    So it's a whine. Check.

    [–]paid_to_lurk 0 points1 point ago

    I view being offended as one's own personal malfunction. In reality most people are 'offended' because their views and upbringing were different. No harm is actually being done; it is just people seeing things differently through their own lenses. If someone is oppressed or harmed as a result of offensive speech or actions that is an altogether separate issue. The real argument the image's caption highlights is that people use being offended far too often as a way to push their own morals and values on others. These 'get offended at a drop of a hat' people need to be more flexible, shrug their shoulders, and let other people coexist, i.e., fuck off.

    [–]velonaut 6 points7 points ago

    And what if the "get offended at a drop of a hat" people are merely a strawman argument manufactured in order to justify behaviour that actually is offensive in the context of oppression or harm?

    [–]probably_high 1 point2 points ago

    So it's okay to say "that's retarded" I suppose.

    [–]Pinworm45 -1 points0 points ago

    Then don't say "i'm offended" because that doesn't actually say anything. Say "can you please not say that around me? Thanks."

    load more comments (4 replies)

      [–]Rosetti 50 points51 points ago

      Right, so why do many /r/atheism redditors get in a tiff when someone thanks god instead of firefighters, doctors, police, etc.?

      And, speaking as a brown person, if some person went around calling me a sand nigger or some shit like that, you can bet your ass I'd be offended, and you can sure as shit believe it'd matter.

      [–]mikeash 6 points7 points ago

      Because they haven't taken this lesson to heart? Was that answer too obvious for you to think of?

      [–]Dhuske 0 points1 point ago

      There's no lesson to be had. It's empty bullshit.

      If you choose not to care if people are offended, then you are disrespectful or inconsiderate. If you do it because you do not understand what 'to take offense' means, then you need English lessons. If you do it because you think 'to take offense' is meaningless, then you need to reorient yourself in regards to the actual use of language, by f.ex. looking up speech acts. Language is not merely about description, but about our dealings with each other. We have stuff like questioning, commanding, requesting, counting, promising, retelling, joking, consoling, wondering, etc.

      [–]LucifersCounsel 2 points3 points ago

      Right, so why do many [1] /r/atheism redditors get in a tiff when someone thanks god instead of firefighters, doctors, police, etc.?

      No one is trying to have /r/Christianity cleared of all "thanks to god" posts. We're not trying to censor them.

      We make fun of them. They make fun of us. Everybody is happy.

      But if you come here to silence us, you're in for a fight.

      PS, although if someone called you a nigger, you'd probably get a lower sentence, you'd still be breaking the law if you laid a finger on them. They have the same rights you do. What you are perfectly entitled to do is laugh in their knuckle-dragging retarded face.

      That's the beauty of the freedom of speech. You're free to offend them as much as you want, too.

      That's what this place is for, in fact.

      [–]SOMETHING_POTATO 5 points6 points ago

      That doesn't mean you should, though. There's value in not being a dick.

      [–]Ultraseamus 2 points3 points ago

      But if you come here to silence us, you're in for a fight.

      Lol. Trying to sound so noble, reminds me of the whole anon thing. Except they at least had noble intentions.

      Personally, I'd like to think that a group of people who define themselves as skeptics and truth-seekers would be above petty insults. Wouldn't it be cool if an outsider could come to r/atheism and r/Christianity and walk away thinking that r/atheism was the clear choice for most mature and accepting.

      Eh, it's just a pipe-dream. Other subreddits have been created, as this one is fighting back against the pressure to be nice... Guess I don't really care, it's just an odd thing to be passionate about.

      [–][deleted] ago

      [deleted]

      [–]softsocks 0 points1 point ago

      Why so offended?

      [–]cumfarts 1 point2 points ago

      Easy there, bad ass.

      [–]theguywhopostnot -4 points-3 points ago

      We don't simply respond, I'm offended. We give a thought out response about why we disagree. Kind of a difference you sand nigger.

      [–]Fordiman 3 points4 points ago

      Argument: sound. Ending: asshat.

      load more comments (1 reply)

        [–]numbakrunch -1 points0 points ago

        And, speaking as a brown person, if some person went around calling me a sand nigger or some shit like that, you can bet your ass I'd be offended, and you can sure as shit believe it'd matter.

        And it would be your right to be offended by that, but it doesn't give you license to go around yelling "I'm offended by that!" That is your problem, not mine or anyone else's. Grow a pair.

        [–]beardiswhereilive 1 point2 points ago

        Nope, freedom of speech gives you that license. The argument goes both ways. Don't wanna hear someone bitch that they're offended? Great, me either, but they still have the right to do it.

        [–]drockers -5 points-4 points ago

        And, speaking as a brown person, if some person went around calling me a sand nigger or some shit like that, you can bet your ass I'd be offended, and you can sure as shit believe it'd matter.

        Why? Sure maybe if you find all your self worth in the colour of your skin and someone made fun of that colour you world would be shattered, but really? Who actually finds racists offensive any more? That was our last generations worries, this generation is dealing with sexuality and that's all but over, at least for most of the civilized world. America is playing catch up.

        So if I called you a sand nigger, what exactly is it that offends you about that? My uneducated belief that you skin colour makes you less evolved? The fact that I was simply obtrusive? Or because you for whatever unknown reason find the word nigger personally disturbing to hear?

        [–]science_diction 6 points7 points ago

        When enough people get together and to call people a "sand nigger" they hurt people.

        Like the time during Desert Storm where my entire elementary class dragged me out to the black top and beat me during recesses due to my Arabic last name while the moms who watched the playground did nothing - becuase i was a "sand nigger".

        You're yet another naive idealist on r/atheism with absolutely no concept of just what human beings are. They aren't naturally rational people capable of empathy. They're apes with clubs most of whom shut up and sit down becuase there are enough other apes to shoot them in the goddamn head.

        That's what humanity is as a whole.

        Go ahead, chock it up to anecdotal evidence. Everything is a goddamn logic puzzle to r/atheism. It's all solveable. It's all rational. Nothing about the human race and how they act is rational. It's predictable and explainable, but it isn't fucking rational. There's a difference.

        Maybe you'll learn that yourself someday when the world turns to absolute shit.

        [–]hmchadwick 2 points3 points ago

        Like the time during Desert Storm where my entire elementary class dragged me out to the black top and beat me during recesses due to my Arabic last name while the moms who watched the playground did nothing - becuase i was a "sand nigger".

        That's not calling you a sand nigger, that's beating you up.

        [–]my_internet_points 4 points5 points ago

        Who actually finds racists offensive any more? That was our last generations worries, this generation is dealing with sexuality and that's all but over, at least for most of the civilized world. America is playing catch up.

        Holy shit, someone actually said this and 6 people upvoted it.

        Oh, racism and homophobia don't affect anyone anymore? Please, tell me more about oppression from that huge pedestal of privilege you're standing on.

        [–]orange_kevin 1 point2 points ago

        Everything in your comment is why I am done with this subreddit. You're arguing for the sake of arguing, which is what everyone in here does. So calling someone a sand nigger is completely FINE, but saying 'thank God' isn't? Surely the irony here being is that you get offended when someone says "thank God" instead of "thank my surgeon" or whatever, yet you don't see what's offensive about "sand Nigger"?

        You need to take a long, hard, look at yourself and your values.

        [–]bleedingheartsurgery 1 point2 points ago

        Haha everyone's always done with this sub. Then why are its subscribers growing daily lol. Leave already

        load more comments (21 replies)

          [–]Archchancellor 23 points24 points ago

          I think that some people like to use "offended" in place of "threatened."

          [–]fushi-tarazu 7 points8 points ago

          It's not a nice thing to offend/thread a person. So maybe it just means: express your opinion more polite, or a little less demanding.

          [–]Archchancellor 11 points12 points ago

          Well, it certainly isn't nice to force a person through the head of a needle, that's for sure.

          [–]benderpool 6 points7 points ago

          BUT I BET YOUR DICK FITS PRETTY EASY

          [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

          Zing!

          [–]benderpool 1 point2 points ago

          HOW BOUT YOU SHUT UP AND FUCK OFF!

          [–]That_was_weird 2 points3 points ago

          I'm offended.

          [–][deleted] ago

          [deleted]

          [–]That_was_weird 0 points1 point ago

          Ummm..

          [–][deleted] ago

          [deleted]

          [–]ShadowAssassinQueef 0 points1 point ago

          it is the latter.

          [–]fushi-tarazu 1 point2 points ago

          I hope you feel better now.

          [–]benderpool 2 points3 points ago

          WELL THEN THEY SHOULD STFU AND RUN INSTEAD OF STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF MY KILL ZONE!

          [–]DoesItLookLikeThis 2 points3 points ago

          Or they substitute "Offended" for "I simply don't agree with that and I think I will complain"...

          [–]jabedude -2 points-1 points ago

          Fundies can't stand in the face of Reason and Logic!

          [–]Archchancellor -3 points-2 points ago

          Oh, absolutely they can. They just do so with their fingers in their ears, screaming at the top of their lungs. That's kinda the problem.

          load more comments (2 replies)

            [–]CatnipNinja -1 points0 points ago

            They fear the truth and have to lash out in order to protect their fragile flaws.

            [–]EltonJuan 5 points6 points ago

            Does this same quote/image come up two or three times a month or am I going crazy? I mean, if it were a different image of Stephen Fry, I might give some credit to the OPs as simply never seeing this post before, but the coincidence really demands that the OP saw the others and remained patient to remind us of not only the quote without bothering to surprise us with the image attached.

            [–]dogistheman 5 points6 points ago

            People are not always just whining when they say they're offended. Examples: Gay person being offended when people say they would make unfit parents. Atheist (or basically any follower of any other religion in the world) being offended by having to swear on a christian bible going to court. Jewish people being offended by the views of modern day neonazis (and other anti-semites). The list goes on... I'm sorry Stephen Fry, but sometimes there are times when it is not whining to be offended.

            [–]LucifersCounsel 3 points4 points ago

            I guess you didn't get it.

            He is not saying people do not have the right to feel offended. He is saying they do not have the right to deny other people's rights because they feel offended.

            [–]ShadowAssassinQueef 1 point2 points ago

            Although I wish they would get rid of the bible in court rooms.

            [–]dogistheman 0 points1 point ago

            On that point I do agree, but he does say ""It's simply a whine. It's no more than a whine," and, as shown above, its not always the case.

            [–]rednemo 3 points4 points ago

            Seems like Mr. Fry is deeply offended by those people.

            [–]-xCaMRocKx- 14 points15 points ago

            This again.

            [–]irawwwr 0 points1 point ago

            This had been reposted so many times, I was starting to hate on Fry.

            [–]asldkfououhe 22 points23 points ago

            go ahead and use nigger in everyday conversation and then give this vacuous fucking speech to anyone who reacts negatively

            your words affect people. take responsibility for that

            [–]octarino 4 points5 points ago

            http://www.reddit.com/r/atheism/comments/vrty6/offended_who_cares/c576fvu

            [–]ElectricG 2 points3 points ago

            You're right, but I think there might be a bit of context missing from the Fry quote.

            [–]LucifersCounsel 3 points4 points ago

            You racist cunt. How dare you use that word. I'm calling the police, and you're going to prison...

            Did I sound sufficiently retarded?

            [–]Perr1man 0 points1 point ago

            White people need to use it more in conversation

            [–]ChewYourBitterCud 0 points1 point ago

            ... are you serious right now?

            You're really going to use those words?

            You come on here and you find people, anybody -- they don't have to be racist or sexist, they just have to exist -- and you spew insults. You hurl them at anybody and everybody.

            But then you're going to tell somebody else that words affect people. Are you fucking serious?

            When you go to someone who's just trying to share a story, or something they've done, and you tell them how fucking terrible of a person they are for this, despite the fact that they didn't hurt anyone, they're trying to just live their lives, etc. You insert yourself in there. You use your words. And you hurt people. I don't know if you've convinced yourself that the only hurtful thing people can do is be racist or sexist? And so you figure if you're not, you're a good person? And you words aren't hurting anybody?

            You hurt people. You should know that you do, but you continue to do it. Take responsibility for that and fucking stop.

            [–]Fordiman 0 points1 point ago

            The argument against hate speech is not that it's offensive. It that it's used to oppress. There's not so fine a distinction, and I'll thank you to remember it.

            The use of the word, "nigga" is offensive - strongly so - but few complain when black people use it. In that context, it's not percieved as an oppressive device.

            load more comments (6 replies)

              [–]Xok234 2 points3 points ago

              How does this relate to atheism?

              [–]turnleftdale 2 points3 points ago

              nothing to do with atheism.

              [–]BATHULK 10 points11 points ago

              This can be very easily applied to atheists, whenever you flip your shit over a cross in public.

              [–]Ixilary -2 points-1 points ago

              Except that never happens.

              [–]alwaysmispells1word 9 points10 points ago

              Really. A quick browse of my Facebook page shows at least three atheists fliping a biscuit because someone used the words "thank god" in reference to last night's rain. Pretty sure that is exactly the kinda thing Bathulk is talking about.

              [–]Ixilary -3 points-2 points ago

              I highly doubt that's true. But if someone does that it's just because they are an asshole in general, either that or their just making a joke. Even I as an atheist say "thank god" as a colloquial term quite often since I've just picked it up as habit, and no one has ever said anything about it.

              load more comments (1 reply)

                [–]bvessels 5 points6 points ago

                Why is this in r/atheism?

                [–]Maccabe 9 points10 points ago

                because we want someone to say it is ok to be an asshole

                [–]JinNJuice 1 point2 points ago

                Why is this comment always in every post in r/atheism?

                [–]drewfridley7 9 points10 points ago

                Stephen Fry is such a honey badger

                [–]heygabbagabba 1 point2 points ago

                OP when you posted this did reddit tell you it had already been posted?When ever I try to post something that someone has beaten me to, reddit usually gives a warning. Has it stopped doing that?

                [–]TheNewSam 1 point2 points ago

                I'm offended that instead of Whinge you have used Whine.

                [–]rprts 1 point2 points ago

                Oh r/atheism...

                [–]Fordiman 0 points1 point ago

                Look at the top rated comment.

                [–]razdiray 1 point2 points ago

                So fucking what?

                [–]JFedererJ 1 point2 points ago

                this post again, seriously? I've only been using reddit for about 10months and I swear I've seen this post like 5 times already.

                [–]nicksnare 1 point2 points ago

                I highly doubt stephen fry said this

                [–]Fordiman 0 points1 point ago

                Go forth and doubt no further

                http://youtu.be/lnSByCb8lqY

                [–]elruary 1 point2 points ago

                I FUCKING ADORE this guy, like i worship the air he's breathed.

                [–]praxe 1 point2 points ago

                When you tell someone you're offended, you're offering them a choice on what to do next after considering this new piece of information. I care very much when someone tells me they're offended because I have empathy for others and live by treating others the way I want to be treated.

                [–]zooplankton 1 point2 points ago

                This has absolutely no relevance to atheism.

                [–]Apollo64 1 point2 points ago

                Well if somebody is directly insulting me, saying "I'm offended" is a plea for them to ease off. And if you don't think it matters that someone is offended, than you've lost a piece of humanity.

                [–]Deltaa67 1 point2 points ago

                Is it bad that I can't take him seriously... because of his name?

                [–]childish92 2 points3 points ago

                and what exactly does this have to do with atheism?

                [–]Trizlo 0 points1 point ago

                Stephen Fry is an atheist that the people of /r/atheism enjoy quoting..

                [–]FUCKWIZARD 6 points7 points ago

                not a single fucking thing to do with atheism

                [–]Wartburg13 5 points6 points ago

                But everything to do with the "I don't give a fuck you're stupid and wrong" mentality of the 10 year olds with mommy and daddy issues that populate this sub reddit.

                [–]Fordiman 0 points1 point ago

                Yes. Because no one ever tries to dismiss atheist content with the flag of offense. That never happens.

                [–]FUCKWIZARD 1 point2 points ago

                Yes. Because the majority of offense claims are with issues pertaining to religion.

                [–]Fordiman 1 point2 points ago

                Not exactly the point, now, is it? The context of the quote was blasphemy laws. It's true in the general sense of an argument (your offense means nothing to the facts of a case). It's a sentiment that applies very widely to the interaction between the religious and religious skeptics. It is a quote that is of interest to atheists. I'm sorry you insist on ignoring that.

                /r/atheism is about what atheists upvote, not some pedantic mandate on subject matter.

                [–]LucifersCounsel -1 points0 points ago

                Are you offended by that?

                Guess what, no one gives a fuck.

                OMG, did I just find it's relevance to /r/atheism? Why yes, I think I did.

                [–]FUCKWIZARD 2 points3 points ago

                Relevance to r/atheism ≠ relevance to atheism

                load more comments (1 reply)

                  [–]cumfarts 3 points4 points ago

                  Nothing to do with atheism

                  [–]Osiris47 0 points1 point ago

                  Nah man atheists can't possibly be offended, all that logic and stuff.

                  [–]Sgt_Donnie_Donowitz 2 points3 points ago

                  Lol everyone on r/atheism whines.

                  [–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

                  It's relevant if it's coming from someone you don't want to offend. If a friend told me something I said hurt them I would take that quite seriously.

                  [–]Fordiman 0 points1 point ago

                  This is context of an argument. Offense is irrelevant in that context, unless you're failing to argue dispassionately - e.g., you're doing it wrong.

                  [–]juggaloholocaust 2 points3 points ago

                  If a Christian says atheists or homos burn in hell most atheists here get butthurt about it .

                  [–]evolsteve -1 points0 points ago

                  We do? Do we also get butthurt when someone says that Santa will not bring them any Christmas presents?

                  load more comments (1 reply)

                    [–]ZaercoN 3 points4 points ago

                    There is nothing related to atheism in this. Not a single word has anything to do with religion or atheism, I love this quote but I think it's in the wrong subreddit.

                    [–]alwaysmispells1word 0 points1 point ago

                    Gee, this quote is in no way a duble edged sword that many people on this very forum need to think long and hard about.

                    Nope, in NO way.

                    [–]religionisanger 0 points1 point ago

                    God, this is on atheism because Stephen Fry is an atheist - clutching at straws much? It's not even a decent quote. This doesn't even insult Christianity or sing the joys of scientists, it's just Stephen Fry talking about the phrase "you offended me"... Not impressed.

                    [–]LucifersCounsel 6 points7 points ago

                    No, this is on /r/atheism because of all the fucking retards that want us to shut up because we're so offensive.

                    [–]religionisanger 0 points1 point ago

                    That makes no sense. It's on atheism because if you put it somewhere else it would offend people? Why - because it has a picture of Stephen Fry who's an atheist, doesn't seem too likely.

                    He's also gay, perhaps this should have gone on the gay subreddit, it's just as relevant there, it's also a picture, should have gone there (would have been most relevant there).

                    [–]Trizlo 0 points1 point ago

                    I think you just figured out how Reddit works.. Good for you..

                    [–]ShadowAssassinQueef 2 points3 points ago

                    This doesn't even insult Christianity

                    is this the definition now?

                    [–]religionisanger 1 point2 points ago

                    That's what atheism is according to /r/atheism, insult other religions, promote your own. Sorry, NOT religion, anti religion (whatever the fuck atheists like to be called). I don't give a shit really, it is what it is (which is sad).

                    I used to be bothered by this and find it quite an aggressive and rude place to be, but people never change no matter how much you bitch and moan and I think essentially the truth is that this subreddit is filled with people who are angry at not being taught about an alternative. For the most part no religions do any significant damage to people (no more than any other belief anyway) and should be left alone. If you have different beliefs so be it, just don't rub everyone's nose in it and claim you're right and they're wrong.

                    [–]ShadowAssassinQueef 0 points1 point ago

                    well every day on this subreddit there are posts with examples of harm that religions are doing, physical and psychological harm. I don't understand where you're coming from when you say that religion doesn't do damage? Do you remember reading or studying about the dark ages?

                    Any other belief? like what other religions? or a belief in no religion, because there my have been a few, but religious persons, and institutions have caused much more harm than any atheist institution or person.

                    [–]religionisanger 0 points1 point ago

                    Most days this reddit has posts of signs outside a church or what some idiot has said on facebook. Yes there are plenty of child molesting priests out there and plenty of muslim terrorists; but do they immediately correlate to all the bad things in the World, no. Do they represent the religion as a whole, mostly no. There will always be evil people with or without religion sadly.

                    Occasionally religion does good things for people as well. Think of all the charities starting with "St..." there are plenty of them.

                    If people think by saving other peoples lives and offering support they're making their God happier, I'd much rather that than tear apart their religion for it's negative connotations (which I'm sure in most cases do not outnumber the good things associated with said religion). Seems like I'm in the minority though; my thoughts regarding religion are 'leave them to it', be peaceful.

                    [–]Trizlo 0 points1 point ago

                    I would leave religion alone, if religion left me alone.. Its as simple as that. The good works religion does do are great.. But the does not mean we should ignore all the horrible shit that they do.. Live and let live is an ideal that does not really translate when people are actively trying to prevent people from being equal because of their religious beliefs..

                    Most days this reddit has posts of signs outside a church or what some idiot has said on facebook.

                    When you say this it tells me you don't really visit /r/atheism much. And when you do you probably don't venture past the first 25 on the front page.. Basing ones opinion on ONLY that front page is silly.

                    [–]Trizlo 0 points1 point ago

                    I think essentially the truth is that this subreddit is filled with people who are angry at not being taught about an alternative..

                    So you do realize that quite a large number of self identified atheists were at one time religious.. They were taught an alternative, but chose to search outside of that teaching themselves.

                    [–]Fordiman 2 points3 points ago

                    I'm so sorry you're not impressed - but that fact has about the same value as if you were offended: none.

                    [–]keeblur 1 point2 points ago

                    I'm offended that this has nothing to do with atheism.

                    [–]LucifersCounsel 1 point2 points ago

                    It has everything to do with the campaign to silence /r/atheism.

                    [–]Fordiman 1 point2 points ago

                    ..aaaand no one cares. See how that works?

                    [–]LightningSh0ck 0 points1 point ago

                    relevant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43V6wA4Y75Q

                    [–]TChuff 1 point2 points ago

                    lol. How stupid is this quote. Have this douche (no offense...oh none taken) walk into downtown Detroit and start yelling nigger. Let's see him use this line there.

                    [–]LucifersCounsel 3 points4 points ago

                    He'd probably use it in front of the judge as he testifies against his assailants.

                    It's not illegal to call someone a nigger. It is illegal to hit them for it.

                    [–]ShadowAssassinQueef 1 point2 points ago

                    yea I can see that,

                    Judge: Why did you beat up mr.Fry

                    Random black guy: He called me a nigger!

                    Judge: and?

                    Random Black guy: He disrespect me!

                    Judge: ok so he called you a bad name and you physically hurt him for that?

                    [–]Awps -1 points0 points ago

                    Cheers mate. Hasn't even been a week since i saw this last. Thanks again for the check up that /r/Atheism has NOTHING new to offer the world.

                    [–]joshcxa 0 points1 point ago

                    So what if you're offended. Nothing happens.

                    [–]thurg 0 points1 point ago

                    uh, repost. seen this before soz :)

                    [–]lilnas313 0 points1 point ago

                    Read first two words in a cockney accent then looked at his chin. Cant read anymore. Kind of Looks like the that one guy from family guy. Hehehehehe

                    [–]Mikeydoes 0 points1 point ago

                    South Park did an episode on Tolerance that brought up similar points.

                    [–]Pastorius124 0 points1 point ago

                    This is from an excellent interview with Stephen Fry and Christopher Hitchens, I highly recommend you listen to the whole thing. You can find the first part here and find the rest yourself :p

                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT-CMwffSt4

                    [–]alongthebasketball 0 points1 point ago

                    Sure, lets post this once every month at least. Always good to revisit shit and all.

                    [–]science_diction 0 points1 point ago

                    I think Kurtz said it best in Apocalypse Now:

                    "We teach our young to rain down fire on people, but they can't write FUCK on the side of an airplane because it's OBSCENE!"

                    [–]Tanory07 0 points1 point ago

                    It's a warning, you dick.

                    [–]ffree 0 points1 point ago

                    I care, because I generally try to be civil and expect the same from the people around me.

                    The attitude displayed by the OP's pic is just plain douchebaggery, and I also fail to understand how does this relate to atheism.

                    [–]SamuelWise 0 points1 point ago

                    http://www.reddit.com/search?q=stephen+fry+offended&restrict_sr=off&sort=relevance

                    [–]Squeekme 0 points1 point ago

                    Is he offended by it? Well so fucking what.

                    [–]Jejoisland 0 points1 point ago

                    That was kinda stupid I hope it was made up by throat yogurt slingers

                    [–]RedditGarbage 0 points1 point ago

                    Can we all stop posting witty comments from people who are actually intelligent? This shit is getting out of hand. Its not cool or funny your all truly a bunch of ass belonkers.

                    [–]Mattycore 0 points1 point ago

                    Wasn't this man in the movie "V For Vandetta"?

                    Brilliant movie and brilliant man.

                    [–]wynnray 0 points1 point ago

                    See: "The bill of no rights" You have the right to feel offended, but your feelings have no rights.

                    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

                    "Offended? Who cares?"

                    let's re-name this post

                    "Friends? What are those?"

                    [–]lincolnwithamullet 0 points1 point ago

                    Relgious people have a concept of things being sacred. They assign the highest levels of respect to certain things. If you shit on what these people consider sacred, often times its just counter-productive. Sometimes it's absolutely necessary but most of the times I see it being done--its just disrespectful.

                    [–]Dr_Dippy 0 points1 point ago

                    Wow I can't believe this has never been posted here before. I mean it's something I would expect to get posted every week, but no this is definitely the first time this has been posted

                    ಠ_ಠ

                    [–]weakerthanman 0 points1 point ago

                    I FUCKING LOVE QUOTES FLOATING NEXT TO CELEBRITY HEADS

                    [–]udderdude -1 points0 points ago

                    Next time someone tells you they're offended, tell them you're offended that they're offended. With any luck, their head will explode.

                    [–]erryday_IAm_rustling 8 points9 points ago

                    They'll probably just think you're 7 years old.

                    [–]JoeClever 0 points1 point ago

                    Fuck faggots Did that offend you?

                    Just going to say that's not my personal opinion, my brother is happily gay and married, just wanted to make a point...

                    [–]ImNotAWhaleBiologist 5 points6 points ago

                    Your lack of proper punctuation offended me.

                    [–]LucifersCounsel 4 points5 points ago

                    What point? That even fucking morons have the right to say what they think?

                    Yes, you proved that point.

                    [–]JoeClever 0 points1 point ago

                    So those jackasses who protest the military funerals have a right? Those dickheads who interrupted and ruined two weddings had a right? Look sometimes people shouldn't be able to do that shit.

                    [–]ZippCen 0 points1 point ago

                    All speech is free apart from the stuff I don't like! /s

                    [–]ZippCen 0 points1 point ago

                    Most likely not

                    [–]Fordiman 0 points1 point ago

                    If it did, my offense would have no content. An argument incited by my offense might - which I'd be more likely to offer than a bleat on the matter.

                    [–]knightofmars 0 points1 point ago

                    No intelligent human would be offended by such nonsense.

                    [–]WoollyMittens -2 points-1 points ago

                    I'm deeply offended by willful ignorance and bigotry, but somehow there's no laws against that either.

                    [–][deleted] -1 points0 points ago

                    It would be a delightful change of pace if you guys supported this philosophy when blacks, atheists, and jews use this line.

                    I hear them use it about 30x more often than Christians do.

                    [–]yyx9 -2 points-1 points ago

                    I've never seen a more perfectly displayed lack of originality and talent since someone in /r/atheism posted a story about how they refused to swear upon the bible during a trial. "So I said to the judge, 'It'd be like if I said I swear upon that Sprite bottle.' Then the judge said "What Sprite bottle?' and I said 'Exactly.'." You're such fucking garbage /r/atheism and I say that about you all, the same token as people who don't have TVs, those who eat organic, those who are vegan / vegetarian, and those who voted for Obama. We don't give a shit what you do, it's not edgy nor a display of intelligence how much you brag about how, not only do you not believe in a God, but you want to drive the dismal point home with your pedantic pattering and sleep inducing metaphors. You. Fucking. Deadbeats.

                    [–]LucifersCounsel 2 points3 points ago

                    We don't give a shit what you do,

                    That's why you keep coming here to tell us all about it.

                    Fuck off moron.

                    [–]macguffin22 0 points1 point ago

                    Sounds like a personal problem

                    [–]antonivs 1 point2 points ago

                    Whenever I see a comment like this, I always upvote the post it's attached to, since it must be doing something right.

                    [–]steakmeout 0 points1 point ago

                    This quote has to do with swearing on TV and Radio. Absolutely fucking nothing to do with Atheism. I suppose we should also quote his GNU Birthday Speech in /r/atheism too then?

                    dis focken subreddit.

                    I see people are offended- LOL

                    [–]Soporus 0 points1 point ago

                    People get mad at me when I say I'm offended at people getting easily offended. That really offends me.

                    [–]Yamaxanadu 0 points1 point ago

                    This reminds me a lot about what Steve Hughes said during one of his stand up comedian moments.

                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHMoDt3nSHs#t=03m22s

                    [–]nowrongwrong 0 points1 point ago

                    Why nobody should want to invite an atheist to any social gathering, ever.

                    [–]gu5 1 point2 points ago

                    The flying spaghetti monster loves you no matter what

                    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

                    And you don't even have to "accept" him to avoid suffering for eternity in hell...what a deal!

                    [–]ptowner7711 -3 points-2 points ago

                    THANK YOU! This is what I've been saying for years. This country would be a much better place if people stopped getting "offended" all the time. This also applies to atheists. Some kid from an atheist/agnostic family walks into school, sees a christmas tree and gets "offended". Big deal. It's a fucking tree. Stick to your beliefs and live and let live. I am agnostic and don't care a fuck worth about religious symbols. I only bristle when peoples' rights are being confronted or laws are passed that are based on religious rhetoric. THAT'S the time to be "offended".

                    [–]A_Wild_Missingno -2 points-1 points ago

                    This whole quote is a whine. Whiney whine mc whineadin. Don't get drunk off all that whine.

                    [–]HankMcCoy7410 -4 points-3 points ago

                    RE-RE-RE-REPOST

                    [–]ChiisaiTenshi 3 points4 points ago

                    I honestly don't care, because it's one of my favorite Fry quotes... though the man is a veritable quote mine. I mean seriously, listen to the man for like 2 minutes and at least one awesome statement will have come from his mouth.

                    [–]Vincenti -1 points0 points ago

                    Reposted? Who cares?

                    [–]anfld -1 points0 points ago

                    The irony is that it's now illegal to offend people in Britain.

                    [–]ShadowAssassinQueef 0 points1 point ago

                    you're a sillynanny.

                    [–]MusicBlade -4 points-3 points ago

                    I'm offended by this.

                    [–]Definitive_Farmer 6 points7 points ago

                    Well so fucking what?

                    load more comments (33 replies)

                      Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. © 2012 reddit inc. All rights reserved.

                      REDDIT and the ALIEN Logo are registered trademarks of reddit inc.

                      π Rendered by PID 22757 on app-157 running 355faba.