Are we too easily offended?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 06:23:10 -0400

Angry Facebook veterans are officially the Tumblr social justice warriors of the veteran world.

If you’ve been in the veteran/military Facebook page circuit lately, you’ve probably seen at least once or twice a collective, hive mind outrage at a shirt that Under Armor put out called “Band of Ballers.”

This is an outrage! I guess? Don’t get me wrong, I understand the significance of the Iwo Jima flag raising photo (especially as a Marine), but what bothers me is that every week there’s some new collective butt-hurt about some stupid thing that impacts absolutely no one. This week was “Band of Ballers,” last week was minorities stepping on the American flag. Every week there’s something new to be upset about floating around the veteran community and it gets old really fast.

Here’s the thing…

If you truly believe in Freedom of Speech and support and defend the United States Constitution, you will defend even those you disagree with. You should embrace the fact that you are offended, because this is America, and people have the right to offend you.

Unfortunately the vocal minority of the veteran community seems to be the loudest, and any time there’s some insignificant slight that happens, it makes the rounds. I can’t tell you the countless amount of Facebook messages and emails I receive every day that are some conversation with a civilian that dislikes the military, or a dumb Facebook post that’s anti-military, or something as stupid as a shirt called Band of Ballers that I’m supposed to “make famous.” I also can’t describe to you how much I don’t care every time I see it.

This is America.

You cannot demand censorship of someone just because they offend you.

The saddest part of this comic strip is that I almost didn’t do it because I was genuinely worried I might offend some veterans, but then I realized that’s exactly why I needed to do it. To sum this up, everyone just needs to chill the fuck out. Under Armor had no malicious intent with their shirt, and they certainly aren’t the first people to parody the Iwo Jima flag raising.

-Content is the work of Max Uriarte of Terminal Lance @http://www.terminallance.com

Terminal Lance - Terminal Lance “Offended”

If you’ve been in the veteran/military Facebook page circuit lately, you’ve probably seen at least once or twice a collective, hive mind outrage at a shirt that Under Armor put out called “Band of Ballers.”

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 19 at 2015 6:04 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Tue, 19 May 2015 18:04:09 -0400

Hey, I have no problem with Under Armor exercising their right to put whatever the hell they want on their shirt ... I will just exercise my right to not buy it!!!

Response by SFC Robert Wheeler made May 19 at 2015 6:15 PM

SFC Robert Wheeler — Tue, 19 May 2015 18:15:58 -0400

This sums it up nicely, "This is an outrage! I guess? Don’t get me wrong, I understand the significance of the Iwo Jima flag raising photo (especially as a Marine), but what bothers me is that every week there’s some new collective butt-hurt about some stupid thing that impacts absolutely no one. " ~ Lance Corporal Maximilian Uriarte, USMC

Response by SGT James Elphick made May 19 at 2015 6:33 PM

SGT James Elphick — Tue, 19 May 2015 18:33:08 -0400

I agree with Terminal Lance here. Also, I kind of liked the shirt, I thought of it more as a tribute to the influence of our armed forces in popular culture rather than a means to disrespect us. Unfortunately that would probably be lost on the potential customers of said shirt, but that isn't UA's fault

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 19 at 2015 6:54 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Tue, 19 May 2015 18:54:03 -0400

I also see it more as a tribute than a parody. And if I felt otherwise I just wouldn't buy it and move on. I was a SNCO not a judge.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 7:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 19:56:42 -0400

This is just for you.

RU Listening #7: 5 Things Keyboard Warriors Say

http://www.rangerup.com/ invited Tim Kennedy and special guest Mat Best highlight 5 annoying things we/they deal with on the internet. Magic ensued.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 8:24 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 20:24:29 -0400

I am definitely not a fan of the parody, but I wouldn't go so far as to be outraged. I will also save my money and not buy it.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made May 19 at 2015 9:45 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 19 May 2015 21:45:48 -0400

They can make whatever they want. I don't care for this image being degraded by them or others (as were posted here). Can they do it? yes. Can I express my displeasure with it? yes. Can I not buy their products? yes.

They did the right thing, in my opinion, and pulled the ad. Problem solved, at least in this case.

I also have no issue with the Terminal Lance cartoon.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 20 at 2015 3:27 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 May 2015 03:27:15 -0400

I thought it was a tribute to looting in Baltimore and Ferguson. You know, take anything that's not nailed down. I wasn't sure if they were stealing it or putting up to play.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 20 at 2015 6:24 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 20 May 2015 06:24:31 -0400

Definitely, I think that is the "new" thing in America. I think it is tied into the whole "PC" mentality that has taken the country by storm.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 20 at 2015 6:40 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 May 2015 06:40:45 -0400

I actually made offensive comments of the t-shirt and what it looked like.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 6:55 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 06:55:42 -0400

I am offended by the question. Offended by the fact that I am offended at the question. I am offended by the way water circles the drain and offended corn rows bear no corn. I am offended when people call Yeti, Bigfoot and visa universa. I am offended that universa is a worda!!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 6:58 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 06:58:48 -0400

A symptom of a culture that values victimhood over success.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 20 at 2015 7:12 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 20 May 2015 07:12:13 -0400

Yes. CPT Private RallyPoint Member we have. I actually contacted Ranger Up about shirt they were advertising, which was saluting veterans but the symbol was a gold star. The gold star, as you know, has a very specific meaning.

I could see the shirt above as a salute to military, not a bad thing.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 7:35 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 07:35:49 -0400

Is being piqued or outraged at offensiveness, offensive in and of itself?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 20 at 2015 7:48 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 May 2015 07:48:07 -0400

I am offended by the thoughts I had. I gotta blame someone.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 8:00 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 08:00:03 -0400

I saw the shirt before I saw the outrage over it and just muttered under my breath "bad form Under Armor, bad form." and let it go (great advice from a Disney Princess). Then I got wind of the outrage, and that UA pulled the shirt pretty fast. I wonder how long until we have our own version of a prophet Mohammed drawing contest. Besides, offensive tee-shirts just make the idiots easier to identify and avoid, like a PT belt.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 20 at 2015 8:06 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 May 2015 08:06:48 -0400

The banana cutters on Amazon.com offends me.

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made May 20 at 2015 8:32 AM

SSG Melvin Nulph — Wed, 20 May 2015 08:32:29 -0400

Sir, I have a feeling it's nothing more than a way of trying out new promotional propaganda.
There is so much of nagitive crap out there (because the mental midgets feed off it) the ones that have no life of their own can be like the old lady next door Is with her soaps. (Non-acting daytime TV shows to many ladies think are real life TV ) lmao.
As far as them stepping on the flag, or burning them, if people would think, it's never a nice one, they burn in secounds, very cheaply made and it's their money they are waisting. I only hope it's made in America to keep our good people in a job.
The ones that get worked up over nothing, are going to be in serious trouble when they run into a real situation. Its good to know they will crumble and fall to the wayside so the true Americans will be standing tall when the dust settles as we have for so many decades before them.

Response by SGT David T. made May 20 at 2015 8:47 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 20 May 2015 08:47:43 -0400

I think as a society we have become too thin skinned on things. It is to the point that many of us are afraid to express our opinions out of fear that we will offend someone. The shirt in question I took no offense to whatsoever. I think it's ugly but other than that I have no reaction to it. Just food for thought, the iconic photo that some have claimed this shirt insults was staged after the fact.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 20 at 2015 9:27 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 May 2015 09:27:07 -0400

I've been desensitized now. Thanks.

Response by PO2 Adam Erickson made May 20 at 2015 9:28 AM

PO2 Adam Erickson — Wed, 20 May 2015 09:28:54 -0400

To many people cry way to much. Way to much.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 20 at 2015 9:33 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 May 2015 09:33:04 -0400

I am guilty of making offensive memes. This is shirt is no different I guess but at least I was original.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 20 at 2015 9:37 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 20 May 2015 09:37:29 -0400

I think chronic false outrage is a negative symptom of social media. Take the good with the bad I guess. Personally I'm not offended by the image. What does bother me is a company trying to turn a profit by using its likeness.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 20 at 2015 9:59 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 20 May 2015 09:59:59 -0400

While I am all for people sharing their thoughts about things, I think we as a Veteran community can cause more harm than good if we keep getting outraged by every little image that may some how be related to the service. This does not show the public that we are leaders rather it can show them that we are whiners which does no good for any of us. Rather than complaining about the shirt, just don't buy it. Choose your battles carefully. What is really worth your time and effort?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 10:24 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 10:24:53 -0400

I find that a large number of veterans think they're special snowflakes that deserve to be worshipped, never offended, and never questioned by those who have not worn the uniform. I find that notion ridiculous and narcissistic. Yes, as a group, we're far too easily riled up.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made May 20 at 2015 10:28 AM

CPO Joseph Grant — Wed, 20 May 2015 10:28:32 -0400

I'm tired of someone being offended by something. I'm not easily offended and in my active duty days I went out of my way to offend some people. Today you call it hazing, back then we called it weeding out the weak.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 20 at 2015 10:28 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 20 May 2015 10:28:55 -0400

Do whatever the hell they want, doesn't mean I have to buy it or even look at it!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 10:30 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 10:30:52 -0400

We are to easily offended. It is a shirt. It does not display people burning the flag, beating WWII vets, or anything like that.

Did they think this through? Most likely not. Would I buy this shirt? No.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 10:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 10:33:31 -0400

I found this offensive... However not to the point where I was upset. I was upset because most basketball players wouldn't even know what the hell that is representing. I thought it was disrespectful to our Vietnam Vets.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 20 at 2015 11:02 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:02:24 -0400

There are things one should take offense to, and other things "are you f*cking serious?"

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made May 20 at 2015 11:27 AM

SFC Douglas Duckett — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:27:40 -0400

"The right to be offended" should be added to the Bill of Rights.

Response by SGT Jimmy Carpenter made May 20 at 2015 12:42 PM

SGT Jimmy Carpenter — Wed, 20 May 2015 12:42:03 -0400

I'm not offended by it and I don't understand why it would be offensive. Maybe if it was an image of Hadjis raising the ISIS flag but it's not. It's some b-ball players raising a hoop...who cares?

Do you think any WWII vets would find it offensive? I don't think they'd give a damn. They come from a tough generation, not the soft skinned generation of today where everyone is offended by something.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:18 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:18:56 -0400

To look at the shirt from another perspective, how many of us felt on top of the world when you got to set up your first basketball hoop!? When I got mine I was on the top of the world. I don't think it is disrespecting anything just kids achieving their level of a proud moment that would resonate with many being based off of the Iwo Jima flag raising. Sure it may not have been the best taste to model it after but to each their own like GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad said use your freedoms to not support it. There are all kinds of things we don't like and can avoid by moving past, just like Taylor Swift on the radio, that dial magically moves in a hurry...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:36 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:36:35 -0400

Where's the stack of blank "hurt feelings report" forms when you need one?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 20 at 2015 2:21 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Wed, 20 May 2015 14:21:35 -0400

We need thicker skin, but at the same time, some things are sacred. You wouldn't see a parody of Pearl Harbor or 9/11 would you?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 20 at 2015 2:23 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Wed, 20 May 2015 14:23:53 -0400

Butthurt is a tag?! Awesome

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 20 at 2015 2:42 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 20 May 2015 14:42:46 -0400

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 2:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 14:43:58 -0400

Preach!

The Band of Brother's picture was actually posed for. Have you seen the movie?? Still a GREAT shot tho! I love that picture. But I understand what you are saying. I'll bitch and say it's tasteless and then I will move out!
Have a great day!!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 20 at 2015 3:42 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:42:12 -0400

I love our military and know the importance of the flag raising on Iwo Jima. I would never use that image to sell my products, but that is me. I don't feel like seeing that marketing image means the world is coming to an end, but I didn't serve during the war to keep us free from tyranny. I didn't lose a family member in that campaign. To me, this seems like another perfect example of having the constitutional right to do something VS. the ability to do the right thing by keeping that symbol of freedom sacred. Just my .02

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 4:10 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:10:32 -0400

There is so much disrespect, and lawlessness now, all in the name of freedom of speech.

Although it is true that we all have freedom of speech, where is the line to be drawn, and enough is enough?

Does ISIS have the right to protest in our streets with public beheadings?

Response by SGT Terry Ryan made May 20 at 2015 4:10 PM

SGT Terry Ryan — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:10:15 -0400

Hey I have am idea! Let's be more offended that 22 of our brothers and sisters commit suicide every day and that's only the documented statisic.
People are always in a hurry to get offended by the absolute dumbest things. Most of the veterans I know could care less about a damn t-shirt.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 4:50 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:50:37 -0400

Even as people express their outrage, I find myself dumbfounded as to why. I just can't wrap my head around anyone taking offense to it. I thought it was great. I don't even care for basketball. People have gotten painfully soft. If something like that hurts someone's feelings, well... "band of ballers" is probably better equipped mentally, better motivated, better dedicated to something, and is far more useful to the armed forces than that person.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 20 at 2015 5:19 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 20 May 2015 17:19:25 -0400

Looks to me like someone tried to dunk and all the others help to upright the basketball goal --seen my neighbor kids do this every time they're playing in their drive-way. So let's file this under "Butt Hurt." It's an iconic image... and to this, plagiarism is merely a form of flattery. Ironic: As vets, we've all defended creativity, free-thinking, and capitalism. But, choose to criticize THIS? Pick your battles, Gents.

Response by Sgt Jerami Ballard made May 21 at 2015 12:52 AM

Sgt Jerami Ballard — Thu, 21 May 2015 00:52:52 -0400

I found it slightly distasteful but not offensive. I was more amazed that UA, a corporation that shows a lot of support for the military let this out without consultation or open opinion. I also think that yeah society's sense of entitlement and lack of comportment if you will has begun to really run rampant amongst active duty and veteran alike.
To sum up the reaction from a Vietnam Marine veteran friend when he saw the shirt, "So? Who gives a f---? Biggest problem that comes with the job is that you defend all of the retardation. You don't get to cherry pick it."

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 21 at 2015 2:48 AM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Thu, 21 May 2015 02:48:59 -0400

The t-shirt thing is one thing. However, the flag is our national symbol, and there are just something's that should be sacred. I don't care if a person wants to step on our flag as long as there willing to denounce there citizenship and leave my country. I think that's a fair approach. Our flag "waves or the land of the free..." You take down the flag you are no longer free.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 8:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 08:42:38 -0400

I am offended that you would ask if we are easily offended.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 21 at 2015 9:14 AM

SSG Richard Reilly — Thu, 21 May 2015 09:14:12 -0400

I think it is a very creative idea personally.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 10:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 10:52:24 -0400

I dont agree with the shirt. they should have thought out all possible repercusions from the public

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made May 21 at 2015 11:02 AM

SPC Makissa Lewis — Thu, 21 May 2015 11:02:16 -0400

I would suggest those veterans use their energies to contact their representatives to ask them to stop with the reduction of veteran benefits.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 11:05 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 11:05:12 -0400

Just Google Iwo Jima parody.
I picked some of my favorites.
But there are many that could be offensive, a photoshopped McDonald's banner on the original picture, and one's that could be uplifting raising the flag on 9/11.
But there have been parodies since the day after the image was published.
If you don't like something, like the UA campaign, don't participate. If enough people don't then the campaign will fail.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 21 at 2015 3:05 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:05:36 -0400

Directly to your question, are we too easily offended? Yes. To the bigger question, we have also, in my opinion, knuckled under to political correctness and are afraid stand up for what is right because we might offend someone.

IF someone is offended, too bad. Take some advice from GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad don't buy someone's crap. Even better, make a better shirt...here in the US of A...sell so many of them the idiots go out of business.

Someone does not want to make you a cake? Go down the street to someone who will, or buy some F'ing flour but don't drive them out of business because they have values you disagree with.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 4:21 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 16:21:07 -0400

The shirt is distasteful to me. Under Armor pulled the shirt, which was the right thing to do.

Response by PO1 Chad Alcock made May 21 at 2015 4:57 PM

PO1 Chad Alcock — Thu, 21 May 2015 16:57:18 -0400

I saw a t-shirt the other day that said "I didn't mean to offend you, it was just an added bonus" or something close. I don't go out of my way to offend people, but I also don't go out of my way not to offend people. There are people that will be offended by your mere presence, I think that is their problem not mine. I think society suffers from to much political correctness. To the point we are falling behind other countries in many things because we are afraid to hurt each others feelings. The competitive nature that made the US great has diminished. I'm sure someone will be offended at this, but I'M sure that I couldn't care less.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 21 at 2015 6:38 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:38:28 -0400

A sense of humor is a good thing. We should be able to laugh at irreverence. I saw the "band of ballets" as a humorous advertising trick. If UA upsets folks they should vote with their dollars and buy a different brand

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 6:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:40:13 -0400

yes we are offended way to easily.

Response by CW4 Kelvin Holt made May 21 at 2015 11:39 PM

CW4 Kelvin Holt — Thu, 21 May 2015 23:39:18 -0400

Yes, too many of us are far too easily offended, of course that's just my opinion, I hope I haven't offended anyone.

Seriously though, if this same image were displayed on some show like Family Guy then no one would bat an eye. People just need to lighten up a bit.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 12:50 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 00:50:31 -0400

I'm pretty safe given that it's under armor, and no way in hell I can justify spending what they want for their stuff, not when Walmart works just as well for me. But to echo what GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad said, if I don't like it, I won't buy it. If people really are just that desperate for my opinion on why I wouldn't buy it, I'll tell them (because I'm sure that's going to happen). Is it, in my opinion, disrespectful? Yeah. Worth filling someone's news feed on Facebook about? Nah. Plenty of more pressing issues out there to talk about besides one company's poor judgement in a t-shirt design. Really, if that's the biggest thing we have to bitch about is a t-shirt, I'd say that's a pretty good day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 7:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 07:10:57 -0400

I agree with this SOOO much. It angers me more that we as these hardened veterans. We as these veterans who had given sweat, blood, tears watched the lives of our brothers slip away are suddenly reduced to whiney little babies when a T-Shirt is produced. Instead of being the ones that simply call the shirt STUPID, like I think it is, and NOT BUY IT, we decide to become enraged, make them feel that they have to pull it off the market because we are going to riot as a group. I watched in horror as we lost face due to a group of these whine-ass babies that needed to just shut up and not purchase it. Don't get me wrong, I am all for being true to your heritage, but c'mon let's be serious. Under Armor was not attempting to insult their customers.
I want the strong, battle hardened veterans that we used to be back. The group that people were afraid to let in public because of what might be said. Instead now we have the pretty in pink group that is getting hurt feeling reports stock dividends. Sad state of affairs indeed.
If you don't like it, don't buy it. Make fun of it. But don't run around and sound like you are going to burn down city blocks and destroy police cars because you are going to riot due to something that hurt your precious little feelings.
That is my take on it. I voiced that in other forums and people thought I was giving into big business. I stopped interacting on that because I was so angry about it, because it had NOTHING to do with that, but instead to do with their inability to be grown ups and not throw little two year old fits about something that they don't want to wear.
Just my take on it.

Response by SCPO Lee Pradia made May 22 at 2015 8:40 AM

SCPO Lee Pradia — Fri, 22 May 2015 08:40:26 -0400

I liked it and thought it was far less offensive then the ones depicting the President as a monkey, reasonable people should've been outraged with that and not thought it was funny.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 9:06 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 09:06:48 -0400

Is it disrespectful.....yes. (but not by intent)

Is it offensive.....no

Would I wear it......no
Would I let my kids wear it.....no

Do we all need thicker skin.....yes

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 22 at 2015 9:18 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 22 May 2015 09:18:00 -0400

This survey offends me! :-)

Response by SPC David S. made May 22 at 2015 4:52 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:52:47 -0400

How about a combination of both - people are being more offensive and people are oversensitive and possibly social media fanning the flames a bit in what I like to called facebook drunk. Something about social media makes it easy to share your opinion and creates a sense of self confidence where people let it fly say what they will - as in a drunk person - with no filter. This punch drunk nonsense can spill over from the virtual environment into the real world - like "Occupy Wallstreet". As for the more offensiveness, people today are less concerned with respecting others and are more concerned with legality issues in having the right. Like the vet flipping off the cop in the APC or walking on the flag. Its not about respect for the other individual its more about the individual having the right. So I don't think its as simple as saying people get butt hurt easier. I think social media has caused people to become oversensitive and this result in hypersensitivity to more offensive behavior.

Response by CMSgt Robert Remel made May 22 at 2015 5:28 PM

CMSgt Robert Remel — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:28:40 -0400

Yes......and the whole world is messed up !

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 22 at 2015 7:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 22 May 2015 19:37:00 -0400

I find the Wounded Warrior Project offensive by using WIA pictures to collect donations. They are sitting on $100,000,000 in their investment account.

Response by CMSgt Robert Remel made May 22 at 2015 8:43 PM

CMSgt Robert Remel — Fri, 22 May 2015 20:43:05 -0400

The military should focus on killing people.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 10:39 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 22:39:58 -0400

Personally I like the shirt and I don't really see it as an issue compared to the photo of the Marines.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 22 at 2015 11:51 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Fri, 22 May 2015 23:51:39 -0400

No, I don't think we (as a military) are easily offended. But I call Bull SIERRA HOTEL INDIA TANGO on Under Armor using the logo. Common sense people.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 23 at 2015 1:52 AM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Sat, 23 May 2015 01:52:45 -0400

Some are and some are not. I can argue for both sides per this specific topic. Personally I don't get offended too easily. I have thick skin and "civil rights" marching feet. ha

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 2:08 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 02:08:41 -0400

I think it all revolves around the fact that the millennial generation that is coming of age thinks everything is about them and how they feel.
They got trophies just for showing up, not for winning, because by giving trophies only to the winners would have damaged their self-esteem.
Their helicopter parents got their grades changed because they believed them over their teachers and school administrators. Not because they got the answers right, but because they thought they tried hard.
This is the result of the slippery slope of letting things like those two types of things, and many others go over the course of a generation.
I don't care if things offend you. It actually is good if there are things that offend you in the world, because that makes you stand up stronger for that which you do believe. You want to be more resilient? Stop pampering everyone, life is not supposed to easy. By making things easy we are becoming soft.

Response by SSG William Sutter made May 23 at 2015 2:19 AM

SSG William Sutter — Sat, 23 May 2015 02:19:27 -0400

Actually we censer in the Army all the time. It's called EO and SHARP. There are quite a few other programs as well. Everyday if I hear something inappropriate I will jump on and ensure I heard what I heard before I school the individual(s) on how, what they said or did, was wrong. That I agree and stand behind every day. NOW, on another hand- I've spent the last eight weeks here around MOSIs at Fort Gordon. The uncontrolled/controlled environment I am in here around them shines a new light on overly sensitive people. I will leave the rest alone on that one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 12:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:37:06 -0400

Lately, yes. I have to catch myself from doing it. It's just hard accepting the level of ignorance that seems to run rampant throughout the country because educating oneself is such a simple task. They're not complicated topics. But it's easier to lower my expectations and ignore these things than it is to change the way people are.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 7:56 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2015 07:56:09 -0400

http://rhinoden.rangerup.com/the-butt-hurt-locker/ This is a good one. The Butt Hurt Locker.

The Butt Hurt Locker

In the past month my newsfeeds have been inundated with veterans bitching and moaning or even threatening violence simply because their feelings were hurt or their image was insulted.

Response by Lt Col Michael Hills made May 24 at 2015 2:16 PM

Lt Col Michael Hills — Sun, 24 May 2015 14:16:45 -0400

The definition of offensive is something that causes one to be deeply hurt, upset or angry...given the things that we label as offensive these days, I'd have to respond in the affirmative to us being too easily offended as many, if not most, are just not rising to the level where one should be feeling deeply in any of these areas. Not particularly caring for something is fine, I absolutely despise some of the depictions of the military in films and documentaries and cheesy marketing that takes advantage of the military and I suppose I could say it offends my sensibilities but it doesn't necessarily mean it is offensive. Stupid, sure; tasteless, maybe; a total waste of brain cells; absolutely but let's save being offended for the truly grave offenses so as not to dilute its meaning .

Response by Col Matthew Fritz made May 26 at 2015 5:52 PM

Col Matthew Fritz — Tue, 26 May 2015 17:52:53 -0400

This is a great question, CPT Private RallyPoint Member -- and it brings up a good point. I'll admit, I wasn't a huge fan of the shirt logo when I first saw it. The difference, however, is what I chose to do with that opinion. Social media gives us a host of new options when it comes to "dealing with a stimulus" that everyone seems to be grappling with. While I was content to merely grumble something about this logo to my wife over breakfast, others felt the need to express their opinions publically. Nobody will disagree that there is a time and a place for public expressions of opinion--and it certainly doesn't get any more public than social media. The emotionally intelligent person would remind us that we all get a choice in how we react to a trigger event--whether it be a shirt logo, a comment on the news, or something we heard in a conversation. Are we too easily offended? I think the better question is whether or not we should vent our offenses to the world, our community, our social circle or our family...and to what end? Believe me: I'm all for conversation...but I'm careful to consider who I'm conversing with and the effect/consequences I'm willing to accept.
Thanks for stimulating great conversation with a good question. The Air Force's "Top Cop," General Allen Jamerson, tackled a similar issue regarding social media use in his latest post on #GeneralLeadership which also touches on this. It's worth reading at http://generalleadership.com/social-media-a-professionals-best-tool-used-wisely/

Social Media: A Professional’s Best Tool Used Wisely! - General Leadership

Brigadier General Allen Jamerson shares his thoughts on the responsible use of social media by leaders and professionals on #GeneralLeadership

Response by CW3 Tim Karwal made May 28 at 2015 1:52 PM

CW3 Tim Karwal — Thu, 28 May 2015 13:52:38 -0400

Not sure who "We" are, but I'm not that easily offended I don't think.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 2:58 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 02:58:31 -0400

I think he's spot on. With the rise in social media usage, these petty but vocal outcries are more easily spread nowadays. It's easy to hop aboard the Facebook/Tumblr/Twitter train and post an angry status or share someone else's.

People get bored seeing the fifth food or kitten photo on their timeline after checking their newsfeed for the 12th time in ten minutes and then want to find something engaging to latch onto, like the color of a stupid dress.

Essentially, ranting online over trivial issues is easy and offers the luxury of never having to actually face your target.

Response by SSG Sean Thoman made Jun 6 at 2015 6:21 PM

SSG Sean Thoman — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:21:26 -0400

I was not offended by that shirt, I am pretty thick skinned myself. Just as Iwo Jima, it promotes Teamwork, and in a way kinda recognizes their effort in an Honorable way generations later. I am certain I am in a minority on that particular issue. Nobody has a right to be "Not Offended", I take it as well as I dish it up, just the way I was raised I guess.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 8 at 2015 2:00 AM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 02:00:36 -0400

I realize this is an older post, but yes people are WAY too easily offended. I recently posted a JOKE in the HUMOR section entitled "I sexually identify as an A-10 Thunderbolt." Sure enough, I got one drive by down vote.

So I naturally called the person out and asked them to explain themselves. Their explanation was "You don't know me and I don't owe you an explanation." She also down voted my question asking her.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 3:54 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 03:54:51 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I think this question could be easily answered by taking a look at any of the threads regarding women in combat! I have never seen so much butthurt and name calling in one place before. Unfortunately for most name calling or whining doesn't have an effective range nor is it a casualty producing weapon. It just highlights how thin skinned a larger percentage of the force has become.

As for the shirt, it's UA's marketing campaign which sounds like it failed miserably and I'm sure that shirt will be off the shelves in no time because it was a losing investment.