I would never go out of my way to needlessly insult someone, but if someone is offended by my irreverence, my sense of humor, my opinions, etc., that's their problem, not mine. I feel about it much the way comedian Steve Hughes described it:

I agree, an emotional response is not mature communication.

I’ve heard it before, yeah, I agree to some degree. Perhaps even more now. It’d be nice living in a world where everyone has the same values and expectations as the world danced around, but it isn’t realistic. If we in general made sure not to offend anyone, what kind of bland, plain, stagnant world would we exist in?

My take is why be an asshole to people so they have to make that statement. Some people piss me off asking questions that shows how screwed up their intellect is. There's always somebody that wants to say I don't care how you feel and if you don't like, it go screw yourself. I'm starting to cut loose these kinds of people.

In todays "feel free to give offense to anyone not lily white" climate, it may be the most inoffensive way to register protest, as opposed to keeping silent and thus giving tacit agreement, which i personally cannot do.

If someone tells me I have offended them but fails to explain how, I respond with "Congratulations!" That usually puzzles, then offends them more. Lol

I agree... It means absolutely nothing without additional dialogue that explains the offense.

When someone's being an asshole and they get called out for it, the asshole will get defensive. "I have a right to say what I said." "Yeah, so? You're being an ass, get out."

I agree with Stephan Fry, the truth hurts but better an ugly truth than a beautiful lie.

My take on it is he doesn't give a damm if he offends anyone, and it's their problem if they are offended. It is troubling to me. It is possible to bring offense, and not have meant to. But does that not also mean that we should examine our own words just to see if we did indeed offend?

People might want to read past the the quotation and extrapolate to political correctness in a public sphere and comedians and politicians and talking about it makes it worse or better or whatever, BUT if you take it at face value, he's right, "So fucking what?" Ultimately, he is trying to implicate different contexts, but I'm not gonna... we're not... you guys seen that SNL skit about Aziz Ansari with Will Ferrel at a dinner table...?????

UPDATE: Thought of something else. If I say I'm offended, it's me villainizing the the "prepertrator". But if I say, "This makes me uncomfortable." It's more of a "me" thing. Where are you placing the responsibility? That is all.

As a generalization it is painting a miniature portrait with a broom. I love Fry, but this statement is far too broad, though I do understand what he tried to say.

I agree that has become kind of a meaningless, bullying statement. If you have something to add to it like: "That's offensive. No, there were not very fine people on both sides in Charlottesville.", then it becomes a strong and valid statement. Nothing wrong with standing up, fighting back and being counted when faced with vileness. I always liked Stephen Fry.

Perhaps I'm a bit out of the norm but, I know that my sense of humor can sometimes piss people off so, I usually apologize for the offense when it does.

Most humor is based on stereotypical images. I shy away from the obvious ones most of the time but, now and then, I do something that's gender based and it bites me in the ass. Every. Damned. Time.

But, I still do it. Sometimes my attitude is, meh... grow a pair. We're all human and fallible. If I pissed you off, I'm sorry for the feelings that I caused but, if you're sensitive, I'll probably do it again. Gird yourself next time.

I gurss it would depend on the circumstances ?

I get offended easily. It really does bother me when people say insulting things, chew with their mouth open, or get falling down drunk in public places. It bothers the Hell out of me when someone cuts a line, gets away with a bullying move, or talks during a movie. It upsets me when someone wants some of my time but couldn't be bothered to prepare, or to think through why it is they wanted my time. It even bothers me when people start a sentence with "I don't think ..." (For God's sake, why admit it!)

i feel offended by it. .... no, really ...

I guess he is offended

The main thing I think he is saying is that if you are offended that should not give you power. If you are offended it does not automatically make you right. Personally, I am offended when someone thinks they can scoff at an idea by saying they are offended.

You can offend me all day long. I'll still smile, and visualize your head, rotting in the sun, on a pointy stick. You are absolutely right. There is no harm to being offended.

I love it!

I've been offensive and I've been offended. I didn't care the times I offended because the offended person(s) didn't respect, understand or take into account the tone, reason and most importantly the context of the joke at which they took offense to. And I never expected anyone to care the times I got offended because I am but one drop in the bucket. The world is at our finger tips never have we had the ability to have our voices heard like we have now. That doesn't mean I, you or anyone else ever has to give a hoot about what one is offended by.

Context is everything. If the offense is something like what the Big Dorito has said in the past, then offense is warranted. But if someone - say - takes offence to words on someone's tee shirt that identifies them as an atheist, then Fry's words apply, as does the attached meme.

If I say I'm offended by child porn . . . I'm going to be told so f*cking what? I'm whining? It's a rather aristocratic view of human beings. We are told to sit back and allow verbal bullies to ride roughshod over us for fear if being labeled whiners or as Fry's character Jeeves would say "not a good sport?" I hope not.

I love Stephen Fry. And he's absolutely correct.