An interesting piece appeared on the Center for Inquiry website exploring opinions about taking offense over others’ speech or actions, faux outrage, and being offended on others’ behalf: Offense by Proxy and the Moral Right to Indignation

This piece explains pretty well why I also do not agree with the views of frequently outraged social justice “warriors” and some outspoken feminist writers.

Ironically, several people who subscribed to these views caused considerable trouble and tarnished the reputation of CFI a few years back. I’m pleased that this discussion which provides rational objections to such out-of-proportion objections is published on the site and that those several people no longer have considerable voices at CFI.

I’ve spoken to and against those who played the victim card, a few of whom were caught lying or outrageously exaggerating their conditions. One contributor to the piece said,

This is a mental disorder. There seems to be this need to be a victim that dwells deep within a lot of people. When I was a kid my parents used to say “stop being a martyr” and over my ensuing years on this planet, I realized how many people seem to derive more pleasure or satisfaction out of being pitied (for whatever it is they claim to be a victim of) than they would if they were to solve the problem and rid their lives of that problem. The need for constant drama and the perpetual verbal patting on the back that comes along with it seems to make some people more “happy” than just being happy!

I agree that is probably right. Exaggerating victimization is a ploy that will eventually backfire. I saw a distinct lack of critical thinking in these cases as emotion, tribalism and ego got the better of too many people. I hope we remember and learn from that. (I can only speak for myself.)

I’ll say again as I have before that my wish is for CFI and the entire skeptical community to reboot and embrace 21st century technology and attitudes, innovate, and diversify. We must plan ahead to meet the challenge of promoting a critical thinking society. It will do no good to bemoan how terrible everything is if we undertake no worthwhile action to fix it. My opinion piece is in the most recent edition of Skeptical Inquirer – the 40th anniversary issue (Part 1 of 2). Check it out and let me know your thoughts.