[halfacrown]

Originally Posted by Garfie

Thank you for this. This puts Biggins comments very clearly in context, and highlights the reason for generational differences. Although Biggins did cause offence to some, your post outlines the probable reasons behind this, as well as encouraging people to reconsider his intentions. If offence is not meant, it is easier to dismiss a comment, and I am sure Biggins would willingly apologise if he was told that he has caused offence.

What I find intolerable is when certain people on here group together to take part in an offensive and insulting onslaught of abuse directed at another forum member, and even worse, to continue to do so even after they have been clearly told they are causing offence.

You have stated the other side of the debate in a civil and informative way, which enables people to look at another side of the debate.

The problem being that there is too much 'offence' and too little debate. Worse still is that when somebody has been deemed offensive or a bigot they are then condemned and become non-people, no longer able to pursue their lives. Those who rush to claim their victimhood, over mere opinion, become the bullies. This is where the notion of Cry Bullies comes from.
My understanding is that Biggins was talking about gay people who pretend to be bi. He was pointing out that some gay people pretend to be bi in order more easily to gain acceptance.
There is a weird desire to share oppression and to perceive opinions as crimes. Free Speech is even more important than freedom from Hate Speech. It's a tough idea for people to accept but the right to cause offence is vital to the concept of Free Speech.