Do we lower our standards in fear of offending others?

Answer 1

All the time. We're made to feel guilty for succeeding when others fail.

Answer 2

As a society, I believe that we have done just that. The first example that comes to mind is that of our children and the "feel good" movement that began sometime in the 80's or so. We've lowered our standards as far as discipline, which has resulted in our children becoming all about "me, me, me" and not concerning themselves with caring about the world around them.

Another good example for me is the workplace; people lower their standards there as far as personal success for fear of offending their employers. I personally have found myself in a manipulative and hypocritical corporate environment which I detest, but I've lowered myself to accepting those facts and playing along with their games just to keep my job because at the moment I don't have an option to find a new one.

Overall, what I mean to say is that I think people have become so concerned with pleasing others and with being acknowledged in a positive way that they have forgotten to do the right thing in many cases. The world is not a happy, feel-good place all the time, and if we forget that then we are headed for disaster.

Answer 3

Unfortunately I'm not sure exactly who you mean by 'we', but I believe any group, as a whole, might lower their standards, depending on the situation. Out of fear? It depends. What is fear? Looking at any definition you see a whole list of reasons to pin someone down for lowering their standards because of fear. Based on this I have to say yes, people do lower their standards from fear. What other reason would they have?

Answer 4

Yes we do, especially if those standards are in conflict with the personal and private matters of eating, drinking coffee, tea or sodas within reason where to go and where not to go in abridging our civil liberties, violating our privacy and security within our domiciles, searches without a warrant etc... If you look at those who would legislate what you eat, drink or even smoking cigarettes or cigars, they do not inform people they want to control people for their perfectionist world. Persons with decenting comments or views don't fit in. These modern day pharisees will often use erroneous religious babble.

Anybody that wants to, can see the movie "Demolition Man" or Read George Orwell's Book 1984...these are the types that want to take it to that level and are not realistic. Their view is the only view of life. These are the same groups of people thumb their noses at sovereingnty and give thumbs up to Illegal Immigration.

The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Amendments are all being violated by those that do not have real beliefs in real freedom as they take away rights under the guise of Freedom.

Behaviors such as pedophilia that are contrary to decency cannot be looked at as a freedom. They are making choices that ruin not just their lives, but the lives of others. Aside from that it is illegal.

How can an oligarchy, socialism and democracy agree with one another? They can't. American citizens should open their eyes and minds and see it for what it really is: a ruse to abscond with Real, Legitimate Freedom within reason! Rather than lower our standards as Americans, we should offend them as often as possible and keep and hold those truths that are self evident!

Answer 5

No. My standards are not offensive. They are unrelated events/ideals....I guess I would agree if my standard was to knock 4 old ladys down a flight of steps a day and I lowered it to 2 because I fear I have offended the old ladys and anyone witnessing it....but thats just whack.....

Answer 6

Most definitely.
Those who succeed are supposed to feel bad for those who wasted their lives.
Those of us who have worked hard are supposed to put ourselves out for those "less fortunate" - well weren't we once less fortunate while busting our butts to get where we are today?
The issue of national health care is the ultimate in lowering our standards to prevent offending others. Let's all compromise our standards on health care as to not offend the uninsured.

It's really sad - I have worked very hard to get where I am today, and I am proud of what I have achieved, but every day I hear that I should feel bad because other people have less than I do.

Answer 7

I believe that the founders intended that we be free and that we tolerate those with views and Ideals different from our own so they may enjoy their freedom as well. But somewhere along the way that changed, we are no longer asked to tolerate behavior we find offensive but rather are required to accept and even embrace it. If we don't then we are the ones made to look evil. The moral fiber of this nation has been shredded so severely I wonder how far off the day is when we will be required to accept pedophiles because "they are people too"?

Answer 8

I don't...

But there's a big difference between "fear of offending others" and acting as a tolerant person. For example, someone may personally consider homosexuality a "sin" because of their religious history -- that's fine, they're free to hold that opinion. But it's *not* fine to walk around in public calling everybody you think is gay "fa*got" -- that's not how people get along in a diverse society. As long as what other people do doesn't harm you, there's no reason to scream about it, curse people for it, or outlaw it -- ESPECIALLY not for religious reasons.

Nothing wrong with telling people your opinion, when it's appropriate. But there's no need to be a jerk about it, either :)

Peace.

Answer 9

Nalla nailed it. Anytime anyone succeeds, they have a huge guilt trip laid on them for being advantaged, etc etc.

Just once, I would love to see these preachy Hollywood types give up their eight figure salary to whatever 3rd World Country they want us to bail out and live on $50,000 a year like the rest of us.

Answer 10

Unfortunately yes, everyone seems to have a stick up their azz these days. Oops, I think I just offended someone.