It goes without saying that those willing to publicly express themselves by wearing shirts that many would deem 'offensive', vulgar, rude, and at times even directly insulting certainly are the minority. What good reasons could these individuals have other than the mere desire for attention by expressing themselves with a taste of shock value?

While most would think that wearing Alternative clothing and offensive apparel satisfies nothing more than some sick and twisted way to make up for some kind of insecurity by calling attention to themselves... could there be other advantages that go deeper than that? What real value is there in, at times, even insulting a particular person, idea, or belief system? Displaying rude t-shirt designs for the world to see may seem, on the surface, to be nothing but nasty violence. It may be that they think it's just funny or humorous, but in the quest to dig deeper into what may be behind these evil displays of offensive vulgarities, I would propose that there may just be more significance to wearing these alternative designs and Rock clothing.

Reason #1: The Preservation of Free Speech

"Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such thing as Wisdom; and no such thing as public Liberty, without Freedom of Speech." BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. The New England Courant, Jul. 9, 1722.

Most in America, even those of a conservative bent, would not argue the richness of perspective and moral values found in the life Benjamin Franklin, but how willing are they to live in a culture that acts out these principals to the fullest? America, from its inception centered on the 'idea' of freedom, but at the core of these ideals is pure unadulterated... rebellion. Rebellion is certainly required to maintain our personal freedoms on many levels. The t-shirt designs that many would find offensive and revolting, are simply aiding the preservation of the freedoms that even conservatives hold so dear.

Reason #2: Personal Growth through Social Ostracism

It is no secret that some of the greatest influencers within cultures throughout time have many pages in their story book of life filled with social ostracism. These individuals, considered to many at first glance to be 'extreme', 'odd', 'quirky', and socially irrelevant... have had some of the most significant contributions to society, science, music, art, and intellect.

These individuals were and are forced to stand within themselves... strong, tall, and live a life of personal authenticity against all odds.

Expressing ideas that are counter to the public mainstream may lead to a greater assuredness of their individuality which can also lead to living a more confident and authentic life over time. And while we may not all be able to come up with great ways to express ideas counter to culture... any one of us can visit an offensive t-shirts store and simply borrow someone else's words that express how we truly feel.

Reason #3: Creating Social Filters that Connect Individuals

If you've ever worn an 'offensive tee shirt' out in public, you can understand the automatic filter that is created while interacting with others. I heard someone say once that wearing his 'Try Satan'. He'll Let You Do Anal' t-shirt was a great help in discovering those who he could connect with. He said it this way... "If they give me a dirty look... I know they're not going to relate. However, if I see someone laugh out loud... I may have met a new friend."

While buying and publicly displaying rude, bad, evil, and or obscene clothes may not be everyone's thing, perhaps we should think twice before we judge to quickly the reasons, motivations, and inner workings of those that do? It may be those odd and extreme individuals that seek to grow personally and do their part in preserving the freedoms that most seem to hold so dear.