When did we become so easily offended, or has it always been this way?

I recently saw a post by a friend on Facebook that stated that Americans were some of the most easily offended people on the planet.  I jokingly responded, "I would think that was funny, if I wasn't so offended."  As I have thought about it, I have to say that I completely agree (and I'm sure that will offend a lot of you out there).  I have seen several instances where people have posted something on Facebook, Twitter, or even said something during a get together and someone was offended.  Now, I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that people have been offended since the beginning of time.

The difference, I believe, between then and now is that then two things would've probably happened back then.  One, the offended person would have said nothing, been offended for a bit, and then either filed it away for later or would have had an open dialogue with the person who had offended them.  Now, I'm sure that "open dialogue" could have been civil or it could've been mud slinging, but they would've dealt with it (or they could have rose up and over thrown the government, but that would've been a totally extreme thing).  The other way it could end when someone offended them, would've been to talk about it right then.  But it would've been dealt with.

In today's society (American's can be the worst), we get offended at things people say and immediately go to Facebook, Twitter, or some other media/social media outlet and bash the person who made the comment, post, or tweet.  Do we have a dialogue with EACH OTHER? Nope, we are too offended.  Plus, I believe that most people wouldn't know where to begin that dialogue due to decades of people wanting to be "politically correct".  K and I had a good discussion about something that he posted this morning. It was one of those, "Share if you agree" things.  I don't like some of those, simply because it doesn't let you explain.  Of course, you can explain when you share it, but often times people just click, and then go on.  Of course, if I get offended I can always ignore, or start a dialogue with people.

Another area I need to work on is teaching my children how to have a good conversation. I can speak my mind, in a good way. Talking to my kids and teaching them how to voice their opinions and not force their opinions on others.  That is an art, but a great life skill.  One that, I am afraid, is dwindling.

So, don't stop being offended. Just stop using Facebook, Twitter, or some other kind of social media to hide and avoid the conversation you should be having with the person who offended or disappointed you (especially if they're family).    Start being civil about it, and open a dialogue with the person who offended you.