While I understand your perspective, it’s worth noting that reactions to offenses, like many emotions, exist on a spectrum. Some individuals might experience deep hurt from a comment that others brush off with ease.
I believe I addressed this. Of course that’s true. That’s why I said you can control your actions, “but not always, and not completely”.
While we can’t always control our immediate emotional responses, we can cultivate resilience and perspective over time.
We can, but certain things are bound to simply be offensive, no matter what. “Perspective” is a buzzword in this conversation. No amount of perspective will get me to react kindly to statements like “women belong in the kitchen”. The onus should not lie with the offended party to just not be offended, it should lie with people trying to not be offensive. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
Claiming that no one would choose to be offended might oversimplify a complex web of human emotions and social dynamics.
No, it really doesn’t. Saying people choose their emotions is the oversimplification. Would you “choose” to be angry, sad or scared? No. You can only choose your actions. I think you’re conflating emotions with actions.
Some might lean into being offended as a defense mechanism
Being offended doesn’t protect you whatsoever. Again, maybe you’re conflating actions with emotions. But what actions are you talking about here?
or to further a personal or societal narrative.
This just seems like a dogwhistle to me. What narrative is furthered by feeling something?
Emotions are complex, and so are the reasons behind them.
Yes, which is why we should put in more effort than just saying “they’re doing it on purpose”, and justifying that with a truism. “It’s complex” is easy to say. Digging into that complexity is harder, and maybe that’s why you’re not doing so.