Are you a censor? Do you tell people not to say "girl"? Shame on you! If nothing offends you, you're a saint or you're psychotic. If a few things offend you, deal with them--fairly. If you're often offended by things, you're probably a self-righteous asshole and it's too bad you weren't censored yourself--by your mother in an abortion clinic.
The quote challenges the notion of censorship and how individuals react to language that offends them. It critiques those who actively discourage the use of certain words, implying that such censorship reflects a flawed perspective. Vollmann suggests that being offended is a natural human experience, and one must learn to navigate through it rather than impose limitations on others. This commentary presents a stark dichotomy between being entirely unoffended, which is portrayed as unrealistic, and being frequently offended, which he equates to self-righteousness.
Vollmann's provocative stance suggests that individuals need to develop a thicker skin and engage with uncomfortable ideas instead of seeking to suppress them. He humorously insinuates that extreme reactions to language might warrant a reconsideration of one's own upbringing and personal accountability. Overall, the quote underscores the complexity of free speech and individual sensitivities, arguing that rather than opting for censorship, it's essential to embrace a more tolerant and engaging discourse.
