by Breanna Adamick

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to listen to a short sermon ranging many different topics. A particular topic of one of the tangents was especially thought-provoking to me; indeed, it was something I had already found myself contemplating in both recent and far off memory. This topic was informally labeled “super sensitivity.”  

To put it concisely, this referenced the increasing sensitivity, or easily offendable nature, many of us seem to have developed, particularly in recent years and which has been especially prevalent on social media platforms. Topics that do not even seem like they could ever be construed as offensive, particularly in the manner the subject may be broached, are often called into question and their speaker verbally attacked in just a quick second. It can be hard to know just what can be said and to whom, as it can feel like everyone is ready to strike or call you out at any moment.  

Indeed, people such as comedians—who make a living out of making light of issues and sometimes difficult topics for entertainment purposes—have mentioned how hard it is to joke about anything anymore, due to how sensitive or easily offended people are. Sometimes topics that are focused on in simple jokes, mentioned in a completely harmless fashion, cause people to become bent out of shape.  

An example of this that I became aware of occurred Saturday, October 21, during a Michigan State versus Michigan college football game. At some point before the game began, a trivia question about the birthplace of Adolf Hitler was displayed on the jumbotron, and afterwards, this completely innocent mention of a historical figure—displaying no support of his infamous actions—came under fire online. Was it an odd time and place, perhaps, for a question about Hitler? Undoubtedly. Is it upsetting that such a person once lived and was the cause of so much harm and cruelty? Absolutely. However, becoming angry over the mere mention of this man will not erase what he did, or our knowledge of his evil with it.  

This is a prime example of “super sensitivity,” as I see it. I believe we have a serious problem if all it takes for people to become highly agitated is the casual mention of historical facts, people or events that have any sort of infamy or notoriety attached. Anyone is allowed to become upset about historical events that would naturally elicit those kinds of feelings and reactions, but do we really need to criticize and blame those who merely bring those historical facts or events to the forefront of our minds again? Are we becoming a culture who wants to simply pretend some of the worst events in world history did not occur purely because the emotions we feel from remembering them are too displeasing? It is scary to wonder if some individuals are actually attempting to ignore and forget history and publicly crucify whoever defies their attempted avoidance of the subject. 

On a slightly different note, one thought which particularly resonated with me in the sermon was that a person’s “super sensitivity” may very well stem from insecurity. This makes a lot of sense, as so often people who become easily offended are those who have lingering insecurities. It can take a lot to rise above your insecurities in order to enjoy a joke or offhand comment from someone, or at the very least not become upset by it. I believe it is very important to attempt to recognize your own insecurities and be aware of what kind of situations might upset you, so that, hopefully, you can keep yourself from becoming overly disgruntled over something that likely was not intended to hurt you. You can only ever control your own emotions and reactions, but even so, this is a valuable skill to master, as it can be particularly helpful in many situations throughout life.  

Something I want to make clear is that sensitivity as a concept does not bother me. If no one had sensitivity, empathy or occasional outrage, how bleak and soulless this world would feel. In bringing “super sensitivity” to light, I do not wish to reprimand anyone for feeling emotions and expressing their opinions; rather, I wish to advocate for a little more thoughtfulness and forgiveness to replace some of the rash, harsh, outspokenness that has taken over. To take everything so personally, even simple jokes which may not even pertain to you, is to live in offense and anger, which is neither conducive to happiness nor productive for yourself or others around you. 

It is okay to express your hurt over something, but there are good and bad ways to do so. Primarily what we frequently hear of happening are the bad ways, where emotions override clear explanations, and any shred of respect or politeness that should be there when addressing another human being, especially someone who may be unfamiliar to you—as in a lot of these online situations—is noticeably absent. A much better way is to clearly express what has upset you and why, in a calm and rational manner, and work to find a solution for resolving the stressor which upset you in the first place.  

I will also say, I do not believe everything needs to be said. I have not walked through life entirely unscathed to this point and I am sure this is the case for all of us. I have experienced hurt and statements I take offense to at times, and yet I do not frequently become visibly outraged or lash out at the person who was the cause. Not everything that may bother me is worth that, and if it is something more personal that just affects me in that moment, I will likely keep it to myself unless it is highly significant. Bigger transgressions and worse statements may evoke a more outspoken reaction from me, as it would seem warranted in such a situation, but this is subjective.  

The point stands that not everything is worth arguing and becoming upset over. We seem to expend so much energy on what we believe to be righteous outrage, but most of the time it is wholly unnecessary. Everyone takes things differently, and everyone will react a little differently. What I believe would be beneficial is if we could all take a little step back from the issue that may bother us and try to view it in a rational way. We should seek to determine what is truly worth our care and what could be let go.  

We should always be mindful of how we address others and the words we choose, but we should be equally intentional with how we react and respond. Carelessness in interactions with one another can lead to misunderstandings and hurt, which is often an unintended consequence. I hope that soon we can see a shift in the tide, with less offense and anger on display and more compassion and reasoning in its stead.