19 Aug 07
Originally posted by kmax87Is it really OK? No
Is it really okay to say whatever you feel as long as its honest? Can we merely by claiming to tell the truth hurt whoever we like in the process?
Should people be able to do it? Yes
The number of people who are just plain rude is small. A child might be taught that it is rude but should never be taught to lie. If an adult wants to do it in a vindictive manner, this says more about the person doing the commenting than the fat, stinky, black, lazy, drug addict, disabled, person they are refering to.
19 Aug 07
Originally posted by kmax87Empathy is required, if I know something is going to offend someone I should try to avoid saying it, or word it differently. Unless they're being oversensitive, in which case I should not be prevented from speaking my mind, though at all times and in all cases, one should choose their words to minimise offence if possible.
Is it really okay to say whatever you feel as long as its honest? Can we merely by claiming to tell the truth hurt whoever we like in the process?
So, yes, it is ok to speak the truth, provided you do what you can to minimise offence through choosing your words carefully. Also, even if something is the truth, if it doesn't need to be said, don't say it, which is kind of the same thing.
19 Aug 07
Originally posted by kmax87Sometimes, depending on the people I might hurt with my honesty, I try to
Is it really okay to say whatever you feel as long as its honest? Can we merely by claiming to tell the truth hurt whoever we like in the process?
sugar coat it a little (to be nice), but most often I think honesty must not be
stopped by silly etiquette or hurt feelings. It would make no sense.
19 Aug 07
1 edit
Originally posted by agrysonI disagree with you here. I mean, yes, if no one brings up the topic and it
Also, even if something is the truth, if it doesn't need to be said, don't say it, which is kind of the same thing.
doesn't need to be said, fine, don't say anything. But if the topic has been
brought up, then I wouldn't worry so much about possibly offending others.
I mean, you gotta say what you believe to be true. To have something to
say and not say it is... well, it's a sin. Like silence was never really golden,
the way I see it.
19 Aug 07
Originally posted by stockenThat's what I meant. If you know saying something is just going to hurt someone or offend them, then don't needlessly do so, but if you're already in the flow of conversation, say what you believe, once you can justify it. Hence, "You're black" is justified once they're black. But saying things like "You're black, get out of my shop" are not justified.
I disagree with you here. I mean, yes, if no one brings up the topic and it
doesn't need to be said, fine, don't say anything.
20 Aug 07
Originally posted by stockenI often fail miserably at this one, but its often better to err on the side of not hurting people. Only say something hurtful but truthful as a last resort eg if we are certain it will benefit the person. Thats my 2 cents.
I disagree with you here. I mean, yes, if no one brings up the topic and it
doesn't need to be said, fine, don't say anything. But if the topic has been
brought up, then I wouldn't worry so much about possibly offending others.
I mean, you gotta say what you believe to be true. To have something to
say and not say it is... well, it's a sin. Like silence was never really golden,
the way I see it.