What should be considered offensive?

Question

Today, in Reno, NV, the great Balloon Races are taking place. Included in the race is a Hot Air Balloon in the shape of Jesus. He appears to be perched on a cloud with his arms at his sides. There is nothing else that this balloon could be. It is deffinitly in the shape of Jesus. Being of no religion, I find this to be offensive, in the fact that it is in the sky over the entire town, being seen from everywhere in the town. If I was to go to the organizers of this event, they would do nothing. If I was to try and enter a Satan balloon, I would be rejected almost immediatly. So, why is it that the religious people can take offense to whatever they want, but us non-religious people just have to deal with all of your crap?

I know why, I just want to know what you all thing.

Good to see that everyone except for Gary gave intelligent answers involving thought, for the most part. Scripture is not an answer, Gary. That is simply quoting something someone else wrote. That is not YOUR opinion. If you want to be considered an intelligent person, come up with your own words. Even if they are based off of scripture, they are your own.

This town is laughable in it's hypocracy. There is a church on almost every corner, followed by a gun store, a liquor store, a strip club, and finally, a casino. The "Jesus balloon" is offensive to me, because the "Satan balloon" would never get in. There was a published list of ideas for the event that would not be allowed, which included Satan and some others which really shouldn't be in the public view.

Answer 1

DBK,

Good of you to recognize the shape of Jesus.
Please go ahead and enter a Satan balloon. Don't be so quick to assume that it would be rejected.

You, as a representative of non-religious people, may be able to help answer a question: with all of the ways that society forces their intrusions on you, why do you people choose to allow deluded believers to control your emotions?

Answer 2

Valid point about a Satan balloon, but freedom of expression means that either a Satan balloon is allowed or Jesus has to go

Answer 3

hi :}
it is to me just another way for Christians to try and influence others ,,,,,almost like if you see it enough then you can be converted etc etc .
they are the first ones to cry censorship when they are not allowed to express their views ,,,but thats because they view everyone elses oponions as wrong ,,,they make it sound like oh you poor things you dont know the truth yet just because you happen to think a different way does not make you charles manson and going straight to hell .but they dont care inless you are part of their organised religion you simply our a poor lost soul ,,,BOGUS! CRAP!
so because there are so many in a certain area i guess they feel they have the right to take over the skys the airwaves etc etc and expound their points of view in the hopes that everyone will automatically convert to their way of thinking ,to me it is as bad as white supremists or any other group that trys to shove ideas and thoughts and try to brainwash everyone else ,all of these type groups are based on fear and the need to control and make everyone the same ,NO thanks ! i enjoy varity and people who are different and would not want to livein a world where everyone thinks alike .
anyway just some thoughts .
peggy

Answer 4

Something I have learn from American people in general: You do overreact at outside stimulus most of the time.

I am a Catholic, and I believe that people have the right and duty of free speech as long as they don't harm pshysically or emotionally other people. This is where diversity starts.

The capability to laugh, to cry, but most important, to honestly, objectively and respectfully criticize artistic expression (no sarcasm) is a value we do have to develop as individuals ans also as part of our communities. Regionally and globally speaking. Build your future respecting yourself and your neighbor.

Amen Sir. Smile, God is watching.

Answer 5

Many people have different ways to deal with things, My question to you is were you offended because you were not included or are you offended By God's existence. Why could you not just go about your own business and no pay attention to what those other people were doing.....................

Answer 6

I don't think that either a Jesus balloon or a Satan balloon is offensive. I don't believe in either, so... *shrug*

Answer 7

Probably because america was built off of christianity, God is in the pledge of alliegence, on the money and theres always that one phrase God bless america. God will always be apart of america and no one can change that.

Answer 8

It is somewhat offensive, I totally agree with you.