I wanted to kill that customer.

[Boozy]

It is virtually impossible to run an active and engaging debate forum without being able to discuss our opinions about general groups of people.

For example, I might say that I think all Democrats are snobs. I expect that someone would challenge me on that opinion. This is a good thing for a debate forum.

However, someone may also come forward and say that they are a Democrat and are personally offended, and imply that I should apologize. This is bad for a debate forum. It means that no one will be able to make any controversial statements about any group of people for fear that another member identifies themselves with that group. Discussion quickly shuts down in such a scenario.

No one has come right out and demanded an apology, but for the record, I do not believe that one is owed. Flyndaran did not identify any specific member of this board when he made his comments about abused women. His opinion was not a personal attack and should not be interpreted as one.

I do understand how easy it is to take some opinions too close to heart. But that does not mean that Flyndaran must apologize (although he may choose to do so). This is a forum for controversial discussions and debate. If anyone is taking a particular topic here too personally, they may have to bow out of the thread. I have done that myself on occasion.

Can we please get back to the original topic now, please?

[Kalli]

Boozy, I respectfully disagree.

Not on the thread-jacking objection, I understand that and it's one of the things I don't realise I'm doing until 8 pages later , so this will be my last post in this thread.

However, I disagree with bowing out of the discussion altogether. What the discussion actually evolved to was a debate about what constitutes an insult, and whether people should take responsibility for that insult or not. So really, no one person should be able to say "This is insult, this is not, stop discussing it plskthx".

There are certain issues close to everyone's heart that they will simply not abide someone saying. Now I'm sorry, but flat out saying that nice women don't ever find themselves in an abusive relationship is one of those things for me. I honestly don't care if it's not perfect debate form; neither is a lot of debate.

[Flyndaran]

I'm back from major computer problems.
Honestly, I too often differ in opinions dramatically with most posters. It's not that hard to find something I actually mean to take offense at. Simple definitions shouldn't cause so much uproar.

...
There are certain issues close to everyone's heart that they will simply not abide someone saying. Now I'm sorry, but flat out saying that nice women don't ever find themselves in an abusive relationship is one of those things for me. I honestly don't care if it's not perfect debate form; neither is a lot of debate.

I agree, but from a different perspective. Mental illness can affect nearly anyone. I may not be capable of being in an abusive relationship, but I have many other faults. "You" may come from such an abusive situation but not be capable of suffering crippling anxiety.
When stressed enough, we all break, just along different cleavage lines.