General Discussion Board

Are you politically correct?

RudiXeno — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:24:24 GMT

Meri said…

I received this Politically Correct Christmas Greeting today-

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.

Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphe re.

Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

Priceless!

We've all become PC at least to some small degree simply by living and communicating with others at this point in time.

Things that were said 20 years ago may suddenly seem out of place or context.

What makes me a little crazy is the use of the term "(you fill in the blank) Challenged.

An example. When I was in the Army I lost some hearing in my left ear during a prolonged mortar barrage. Consequently, I'm a little deaf in that ear. What's wrong with that? Do I have to claim or acknowledge that I'm "hearing challenged"? I'm a little friggin' deaf in my left ear! I'm OK with that.

What are your thoughts?

Rudi

Are you politically correct?

Meri — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:15:43 GMT

LisaCarey said…

Meri - I need to keep a copy of that card!

It came in an email. You can just cut and paste it.

Are you politically correct?

LisaCarey — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:06:56 GMT

Meri - I need to keep a copy of that card!

Are you politically correct?

Meri — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:52:47 GMT

I received this Politically Correct Christmas Greeting today-

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.

Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphe re.

Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

Are you politically correct?

PattyTherre — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:02:16 GMT

As far as jokes go, I was brought up on jokes that start with "A Rabbi, a priest, and a camel walk into a bar..." and typical jokes that stereotype certain races. I never saw them as mean spirited. In fact, many of the people who told the jokes were of the same race or religion as one of the people being made fun of. The only jokes that turned me off were dead baby ones. Yuck.

I don't like mean jokes mocking the dead or similar things but, in general, I can laugh at jokes that may seem totally UN-pc because that is what they are intended to be. I laugh when my own race or religion is joked about. It is a JOKE after all and if we can't laugh at things, it's a pretty sad world.

I also understand that people come from all walks of life and they often don't mean to be offensive when they use certain terms. It's just what they know. I am half Lebanese and have been asked if I am a Muslim and where my towel is for my head (I am a Christian and so was my mom and her parents and so on and so on.) and if I am related to Osama bin Laden. Uh...right. But these people were serious! So I answered them and went on with my day.

Are you politically correct?

Fardreamer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:47:30 GMT

Jo said…

lilsquibb said…

Telpher said…
Nope. I work at a very, very lefty, PC organization, where I'm known as "the Capitalist." I also take way too much joy in the comedy of people like Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler to be considered PC. I feel the world would be a much better place if people would lighten the %$#*@ up, 90% of the time.

I didn't know you workd where I do. lol.... I work in a preschool program, funded buy the government. The one thing we have to battle every year is parents and staff complaining that we don't celebrate holidays. But yet it's ok to give fmilies ideas for MLK day.

Being in a supervisory position, I try to keep in mind who I'm talking to and I continuously have to remind some of my staff members to be mindful of not only what they say but how they say it.

On the other hand, my hubby is so not PC. Sometimes I have to remind him to watch what he says in certain settings.

I worked at Head Start and we had the same issue though I agree with it because I believe in separation of church and state. I am politically correct - very. There are words that seem quite benign like tolerance and broken homes that drive me up the wall. Jo

I'm with you on the issue of separation of church and state. I don't know if I could ever live in a society where religion and government are one and the same.

Are you politically correct?

lilsquibb — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:32:25 GMT

Jo said…

lilsquibb said…

Telpher said…
Nope. I work at a very, very lefty, PC organization, where I'm known as "the Capitalist." I also take way too much joy in the comedy of people like Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler to be considered PC. I feel the world would be a much better place if people would lighten the %$#*@ up, 90% of the time.

I didn't know you workd where I do. lol.... I work in a preschool program, funded buy the government. The one thing we have to battle every year is parents and staff complaining that we don't celebrate holidays. But yet it's ok to give fmilies ideas for MLK day.

Being in a supervisory position, I try to keep in mind who I'm talking to and I continuously have to remind some of my staff members to be mindful of not only what they say but how they say it.

On the other hand, my hubby is so not PC. Sometimes I have to remind him to watch what he says in certain settings.

I worked at Head Start and we had the same issue though I agree with it because I believe in separation of church and state. I am politically correct - very. There are words that seem quite benign like tolerance and broken homes that drive me up the wall. Jo

In this particular case, I don't believe that our lack of holiday celebrations is separation of church and state, but more respect for the families and preschool children in general. For instance, in general our teachers will do something having to do with the birthdays of the children. But if we have a family who is Jehova's Witness, that classroom will not make a big deal out of any birthdays.

Are you politically correct?

vivasuzi — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:17:14 GMT

Comedy was brought up somewhere in this thread. While there is a news story out there recently saying Jeff Dunham is racist because his dolls are stereotypes. Give me a break! If Jeff Dunham is racist then so is every other comedian out there because almost every comedian has a joke about another race, religion or some other group (don't be offended if I didn't include your group!!). And if you don't like a comedian, just don't go to his shows! It's that easy. Why do we have to protest and fight things just because we don't like it?

Overall - I can't stand people who have no sense of humor. Jokes are jokes and are not meant to be taken seriously. I don't understand people who can't take a joke, unless it was MEANT to be mean (which most jokes are not)

Intent is all that should matter. If you intend to hurt someone's feelings by what you say - then that is bad. Otherwise, I'd say you are in the clear.

Are you politically correct?

Jo — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:27:48 GMT

lilsquibb said…

Telpher said…
Nope. I work at a very, very lefty, PC organization, where I'm known as "the Capitalist." I also take way too much joy in the comedy of people like Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler to be considered PC. I feel the world would be a much better place if people would lighten the %$#*@ up, 90% of the time.

I didn't know you workd where I do. lol.... I work in a preschool program, funded buy the government. The one thing we have to battle every year is parents and staff complaining that we don't celebrate holidays. But yet it's ok to give fmilies ideas for MLK day.

Being in a supervisory position, I try to keep in mind who I'm talking to and I continuously have to remind some of my staff members to be mindful of not only what they say but how they say it.

On the other hand, my hubby is so not PC. Sometimes I have to remind him to watch what he says in certain settings.

I worked at Head Start and we had the same issue though I agree with it because I believe in separation of church and state. I am politically correct - very. There are words that seem quite benign like tolerance and broken homes that drive me up the wall. Jo

Are you politically correct?

OldHippie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:25:13 GMT

Fardreamer said…

To remove any mention of Christ, the Christian tradition or even the greeting "Merry Christmas" is going way too far, I think!

Better watch that... The ACLU will come after you. (American Communist Lawyers Union) OOOPS! That wasn't "Politically Correct".

Are you politically correct?

Fardreamer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:51:42 GMT

I have to agree with you on various points, Meri.

I believe that though some "political correctness" was purely well-intentioned, it does sometimes go way too far.

I was lucky that when I was in high school, the Christmas Concert was still called the Christmas Concert and that we were allowed to sing Christmas songs. Mind you, I'm not what you'd call a religious person, but I was raised as a Catholic and I have no problem with saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays." To remove any mention of Christ, the Christian tradition or even the greeting "Merry Christmas" is going way too far, I think!

Are you politically correct?

Meri — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:06:39 GMT

Mike, I agree with your comment, "I say just live your life, don't worry about what other people say and do unless it's physically harmful to you, and you will be happier and healthier."

Few things offend me and I think I have been well served for that stance. I am thankful that I chose early in life to develop a tough shell and to always think [if I thought I was offended] that the person probably didn't mean their comment the way I took it. I believe very few people intentionally do or say things to hurt someone else so I've always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt and let the offense run off my back. I have been much happier that way because I don't waste negative energy being unduly offended and I see people in a kinder, more positive light. I know that harboring negative feelings of offense only hurts me and chances are that the person I thought offended me isn't even aware they had offended me.

I do get annoyed at political correctness that goes to the extreme though. I remember when my kids were attending school in Connecticut that the Christmas choral program was changed to the Holiday Program. I didn't think too much of it until several visiting kids at my house started talking about the program and some of the other changes. The list of songs to be sung included Hanukah and Kwanzaa songs but they were not allowed to sing a single Christmas song. What really seemed ridiculous was that they had to change the words in one of their songs from "God is watching us" to "They are watching us".... To this day it is still a joke among family and friends from that era. [We never did discover who is watching us!]

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:28:52 GMT

PattyTherre said…

I am not really sure what PC is. I mean, I would never offend anyone on purpose and I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. With a father who was deaf from age 23,(long before I was born), I heard people call him deafie, dumb, crazy, retarded, numb between the ears, etc. I don't consider that sort of thing acceptable and I feel it is very hurtful. On the other hand, my father didn't care if you called him deaf, hard or hearing, hearing impaired, hearing challenged, late deafened, or even deafie. Whatever! He would always say to people struggling to come up with a PC term for a man who became deafened in his 20's (as opposed to people born Deaf which they want capitalized.) and my father would say, "I'm DEEF, ya see, DEEF! Can't hear a thing so it doesn't matter what the h3ll you call it."

I am sick of being told that stewardesses are now flight attendants (or whatever they are) although I know there are male flight attendants and I am getting used to using that term now. I am sick of saying the mailman is here and being corrected by friends because it's a postal carrier. I mean no disrespect but sheesh, everything has to be just so or people get offended. My husband is super PC and gets mad when I even wish people a Merry Christmas as opposed to Happy Holidays. Hey, I could be cussing people out but instead I am wishing them a happy something. That shouldn't offend.

What you are talking about is narcissm, plain and simple. Me, I don't offend. I've said it many times, and it's my deep conviction that people who offend easily have egos that are too big. If someone want's to say "Happy Holidays", I've no problem with that. Expecting me to say it because they do, that's self-centered and mean.

Like Patty, I won't deliberately offend people. Unless they got it coming. By that I mean, someone so intolerant and rigid they think anyone who doesn't think like them is an idiot deserves whatever they get. I will say Merry Christmas because it IS Christmas and I want them to have a merry one. If that person doesn't celebrate Christmas, it's not like I'm telling them that have to or should, I'm just telling them to have a merry one. It's still gonna be Christmas whether they celebrate it or not. If someone says "Happy Hanukkah" to me, knowing full well I'm not Jewish, I won't be offended. I'll smile an wish them a Happy Hanukkah as well. Shoot, why don't we take Mr Costanza's suggestion and just have Fesivus?? :)

Femi-Nazis---Just because I say mailman and not "mailperson" or "mail carrier" that doesn't mean I disparage women. It's a generic term referring to all people who carry mail. People get silly over terms. I have NO respect for that. I ruins everything for the rest of us. There are times when people's stereotypes cause problems, like when I was an ophthalmic tech at a hospital and all the old people thought I was a doctor because surely a man wouldn't be doing a woman's job! I didn't get upset about and the women techs I know didn't let it bother them because they knew we were dealing with a different generation and we weren't gonna change them.

I say just live your life, don't worry about what other people say and do unless it's physically harmful to you, and you will be happier and healthier.

Are you politically correct?

PattyTherre — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:31:38 GMT

I am not really sure what PC is. I mean, I would never offend anyone on purpose and I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. With a father who was deaf from age 23,(long before I was born), I heard people call him deafie, dumb, crazy, retarded, numb between the ears, etc. I don't consider that sort of thing acceptable and I feel it is very hurtful. On the other hand, my father didn't care if you called him deaf, hard or hearing, hearing impaired, hearing challenged, late deafened, or even deafie. Whatever! He would always say to people struggling to come up with a PC term for a man who became deafened in his 20's (as opposed to people born Deaf which they want capitalized.) and my father would say, "I'm DEEF, ya see, DEEF! Can't hear a thing so it doesn't matter what the h3ll you call it."

I am sick of being told that stewardesses are now flight attendants (or whatever they are) although I know there are male flight attendants and I am getting used to using that term now. I am sick of saying the mailman is here and being corrected by friends because it's a postal carrier. I mean no disrespect but sheesh, everything has to be just so or people get offended. My husband is super PC and gets mad when I even wish people a Merry Christmas as opposed to Happy Holidays. Hey, I could be cussing people out but instead I am wishing them a happy something. That shouldn't offend.

Are you politically correct?

rustaddsflavor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:25:59 GMT

A radio DJ here in Houston said something a few years back that I still remember because it was so spot-on. I can't recall the particular situation but what he said (following a very irate caller) was, "Are you really offended, or are you offended because you think you're Supposed To Be offended?" I think most people who go around bewailing the lack of PC really can't or won't distiguish the two.

I'm not PC and I refuse to water myself down to avoid offending people who I think are just walking around looking to be offended. I'm not prejudice against races or religions or anything else but I do have my own sensibilities and they may not be the same for others. I've already shared a story on these boards about my views on the death penalty and it was very clear that I am for it in some cases.

You end up serving no one if all you ever do is try to please the masses with everything you say. Who wants to be remembered for that?

Are you politically correct?

AnnaBanana — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:11:44 GMT

Meri said…

AnnaBanana said…

GeorgeChabot said…
You ought to read some of my reviews and figure it out. I doubt if I intentionally whack too many sacred cows but occasionally they provide too tempting a target and I cannot resist. :>

HOLY SMOKES! Gee, is it nice to hear from you again! How are you and Fifi doing these days?

Anna, I did a double take as well but alas, his post is from over a year ago. Sigh! We miss you, George.

Awhh, Nuts!

Are you politically correct?

TheBard — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:08:39 GMT

What did Imus say this time?

Are you politically correct?

Fardreamer — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:20:33 GMT

onwaytozion said…

PC? Not me.

I remember in the 70s when SNL had a skit on the made-up term of political correctness, with domestic engineers (housewives) and sanitation engineers (garbage men). It was a joke, but it became an actuality!

Looking over this thread, most people say they are not PC, but I'm afraid that many people still embrace PC ideals because it has been so ingrained in the media and society in general. They don't even realize it for what it is: a spin on the truth so things sound better, but another layer that keeps us from the truth.

So, basically, what you're saying is that "political correctness" is hypocrisy?

Perhaps PC-speak in political context might be so; I really hate it when liberals, particularly the more leftist-leaning ones, use the term "progressive" when they mean to say "liberal" or "leftist."

And as someone who hates the notion of Communism and the Big Lie, I dare say that Communists are pretty good at using euphenisms such as "people's democracies," "workers' paradises," "progressive movements," and "wars of national liberation" to describe or defend their noxious ideas.

That having been said, there are those on the right (conservatives) who also use terms that are disingenous and deceptive, so it works both ways.

Are you politically correct?

Meri — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:27:12 GMT

AnnaBanana said…

GeorgeChabot said…
You ought to read some of my reviews and figure it out. I doubt if I intentionally whack too many sacred cows but occasionally they provide too tempting a target and I cannot resist. :>

HOLY SMOKES! Gee, is it nice to hear from you again! How are you and Fifi doing these days?

Anna, I did a double take as well but alas, his post is from over a year ago. Sigh! We miss you, George.

Are you politically correct?

Fardreamer — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:17:27 GMT

bkovacs said…

We all like to say that we're not PC but it is a disease we have all caught. If you went back 40 years, you would be shocked at the things people said in casual conversation, so we have all been sensitized about what is acceptable in certain situations. This is the essence of political correctness -- it's not what you say to your buddy over a beer. It's what you will say in a meeting at work.

If you are careful not to use certain language when talking to your mailman or a PTA meeting, then you are appropriately politically correct. Just because you use those words with a buddy when you're driving to the auto parts store doesn't make you any less PC.

I'll paddle upstream on this one and say that a healthy dose of political correctness is a good thing, maybe even a great thing. It has made us a helluva lot more understanding and willing to accept others. I don't see a downside with that.

--Bob

I agree with you, Bob.

I think being more polite to each other and not blurting out the first thoughts that come to mind is not something that should be looked down as being PC.

As for what Patty said about the names people call disabled persons, I have had lots of nasty names aimed at me because I'm disabled. Ugh.

Are you politically correct?

AnnaBanana — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:11:15 GMT

GeorgeChabot said…
You ought to read some of my reviews and figure it out. I doubt if I intentionally whack too many sacred cows but occasionally they provide too tempting a target and I cannot resist. :>

HOLY SMOKES! Gee, is it nice to hear from you again! How are you and Fifi doing these days?

Are you politically correct?

AnnaBanana — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:08:56 GMT

I think that like most things, Political Correctness is good to a certain extent. We owe other people the respect which we would expect for ourselves. But I think P.C. has been taken to extremes because it has been used as a defensive and diversionary technique. One of the oldest games people play is to gain power by accusing someone else of something bad just to divert attention from the real subject at hand.

In other words, if you owe your landlord a couple months rent -- or perhaps have made a major clerical mistake at work -- then you should deal with it responsibly without drawing out the race, religious, ethnic or political card. Too often people are trying to use P.C. in a self-serving way and I think this is why P.C. has become so unpopular and resented by some people.

Are you politically correct?

Meri — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:27:49 GMT

Several years ago James Finn Garner wrote a book about Politically Correct Bedtime Stories. It was hilarious. In the re-take of Little Red Riding Hood he describes the part when the big, bad wolf first encounters Little Red Riding Hood in the forest. This is part of that first conversation:

The Wolf said, "You know, my dear, it isn't safe for a little girl to walk through these woods alone."

Red Riding Hood said, "I find your sexist remark offensive in the extreme, but I will ignore it because of your traditional status as an outcast from society, the stress of which has caused you to develop your own, entirely valid worldview. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be on my way."

Check it out if you missed it the first time... good stuff that shows jut how far we've taken it- and that was 15 years ago now!

Are you politically correct?

onwaytozion — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:11:29 GMT

PC? Not me.

I remember in the 70s when SNL had a skit on the made-up term of political correctness, with domestic engineers (housewives) and sanitation engineers (garbage men). It was a joke, but it became an actuality!

Looking over this thread, most people say they are not PC, but I'm afraid that many people still embrace PC ideals because it has been so ingrained in the media and society in general. They don't even realize it for what it is: a spin on the truth so things sound better, but another layer that keeps us from the truth.

Are you politically correct?

OldHippie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:27:01 GMT

AWESOMEMOM88 said…

I will share a story with you. I have always been a huge fan of Earth Wind and Fire.

ME TOO! I actually won two free tickets via a radio station contest 2 summers ago. They were just "lawn seats" at an outdoor venue. Just as you experienced, my date & I were just about the only caucasians around. But...no problems. Everyone enjoyed the music & we were all line dancing to the encore of "Let's Groove". Yep...I just showed my age.

Are you politically correct?

OldHippie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:15:49 GMT

MikeMaroon said…

What's your take on "political correctness"?

I don't even try... If I tick off someone by saying, "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays"...too bad. I don't get offended if a Jewish person says, "Happy Hanukkah" to me. They are only wishing me a polite gesture in a way they would all their friends. That's as far as I better go here. I might upset too many people by not being "politically correct".

Are you politically correct?

GeorgeChabot — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:20:29 GMT

You ought to read some of my reviews and figure it out. I doubt if I intentionally whack too many sacred cows but occasionally they provide too tempting a target and I cannot resist. :>

Are you politically correct?

AWESOMEMOM88 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:09:24 GMT

I will share a story with you. I have always been a huge fan of Earth Wind and Fire. I got tickets for one of their concerts, and unfortunately, due to a huge blizzard, my fiance couldn't make it...instead, I took my best friend along so the ticket wouldn't go to waste-excellent seats, first floor, 9th row, in front of the stage, and at the time EWF had a kick laser light show as part of the stage show. We got there early for best possible parking, and found our seats quickly and settled back to chat until the lights went down. Somewhere along the line, my girlfriend leaned over and asked me if I realized that we were the only white people on the main floor. (Actually, I hadn't, because the concert was great and everyone was having a super time dancing and singing along) I could tell that it made her unsettled though.

The concert finished and we filed out to the parking lot to go home. Because we were first to park, we were sort of blocked in and had to wait for some of the parking to clear in order to get out of the space....and guess what? A bunch of sleezy white guys came up to our car, started banging on windows, trying to force a door open, climbing up on the hood, and generally were very menacing, derogatory, threatening, loud-you name it.....And lo and behold....a big van pulled up behind my girlfriend's car, and out jumped half a dozen very large, veery muscular black guys who chased off the white trash, and then enquired if we were OK...They followed us all the way home to make sure that nobody followed us and messed with us. We never found out their names or even if they were going in the same direction as us, and the neighborhood my girlfriend lived in was pretty white bread. that was 25 years ago, pre-politically correct...the issue was not what color anyone was, but rather than somebody was behaving poorly and outside the bounds of common courtesy and decency, and somebody else stepped up to insure that it stopped and nobody was hurt

Are you politically correct?

AWESOMEMOM88 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:57:19 GMT

trying to respond directly to a specific comment is not working well today, so I guess I should probably just pack it in and go home......

Are you politically correct?

AWESOMEMOM88 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:53:02 GMT

oooops....

Are you politically correct?

AWESOMEMOM88 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:42:21 GMT

God spare me from the politically correct world....I feel that we have lost the ability to laugh at ourselves and vent pressure in social situations because we simply aren't allowed to joke about anything. As a kid growing up, I can remember Polish jokes, Catholic jokes, Italian jokes, and none of us grew up lacking in self esteem or as axe murderers. I do believe that you can cross the line from good natured humor or vividly descriptive terms to being rude, insulting and intentionally hurtful, but that is certainly not the majority. The only thing we can joke about any more is Rednecks, and with the popularity of Rednecks as a topic, I am waiting for the American Civil Liberties Union to get on us about that....poor Jeff Foxworthy is going to go from riches to rags when that happens. I truly mourned the passing of George Carlin recently as one of the few who would get up and say what was truly on his mind and point out how ridiculous the rest of us were being. I also saw a Whoopie Goldberg special late night, and she had to preface almost every story and anecdote with "the community isn't going to like this." I am about as politically incorrect as they come....Probably why I am not wealthy and not a politician

Are you politically correct?

DUISparky — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:44:06 GMT

Definitely not PC. I hate the whole concept. People, all people, need to grow thicker skins and quit being "offended" by the stupidest s*&^.

Are you politically correct?

Eyerater — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:11:59 GMT

But...

I would think that holidays would be one of the richer sources for different experiences, assuming, of course, that the experiences are accompanied by adult interpretation and explanation.

Are you politically correct?

lilsquibb — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:06:40 GMT

Eyerater said…
Just one guy's opinion. But I think the more you expose children to other cutlures and traditions, the richer you make their lives. The idea is not limit information and experience, but to expand it - in my opinion.

Oh we definitely do that... just not in the context of holidays and such.

Are you politically correct?

Eyerater — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:59:08 GMT

Just one guy's opinion. But I think the more you expose children to other cutlures and traditions, the richer you make their lives. The idea is not limit information and experience, but to expand it - in my opinion.

Are you politically correct?

vivasuzi — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:00:08 GMT

I've been thinking about it and PCness has a lot to do with the news stories you see. Here's an example, I've seen multiple news stories where there was a massive fight outside a movie theater, in a park, or another place where you expect people just to be having fun. A lot of time the fighting is white vs black. A lot of times involving guns (I do live near detroit). A lot of times they say it started b/c of a racial slur or insult, or even a look!

So now when I go anywhere where there is a mixed crowd, I'm careful about anything that I say, or anyone I even look at b/c I wouldn't want to offend anyone. It's not that I'm afraid of them being offended, instead it's that I am afraid of someone taking it way to far until the situation escalates like I've seen on the news.

Basically I think the people in my town and most the local towns are decent people - but you never know if someone is there who causes trouble! We are mostly PC b/c we are scared of the consequences! Too many people now-a-days take matters like this into their own hands. Even last week, two adults bumped into each other in front of me at the festival and almost started a fist fight in front of loads of kids!

People have to stop treating everything as a personal attack. Someone calls you a name, so you pull out a gun - doesn't make any sense to me so I don't know why it makes sense to other people!

Are you politically correct?

Jo — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:47:17 GMT

Well said, Mike. Hey some of my best friend are cough cough cough....Republicans:) Jo

Are you politically correct?

tooobeautiful — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:05:01 GMT

Thank you I do appreciate your response, I also have a diverse group of children and It does not seem to be an issue as far as holidays. What you say does make sense, I do believe it to be rather hypocritical If you are sending home ideas just for MLK.......Who is in charge? Why not start celebrating every holiday like most schools do, no matter how diverse the group is from Hanukkah to Halloween. You give Ideas with the understanding that not everyone celebrates holidays at home,but for the ones that do the idea is there. I understand Lawsuits I'm in the middle of a class action lawsuit. In a work environment if employees cannot follow the rules of the company you start with a warning and so on and eventually if they continue it is grounds for suspension or termination without a lawsuit.

Are you politically correct?

lilsquibb — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:32:52 GMT

tooobeautiful said…
Its sad that you really have to watch what you say these days. I believe if you have to try to watch what you say...you should give yourself a break and analize yourself. Figure out why you have to remind yourself and staff of having the same politeness and respect everyones parents should have taught them. Too many reminders mean they should not be working there.(maybe they cant keep it together). I own a preschool program funded by the government. We celebrate Holidays! Maybe you should try a couple of fund-raisers. It would be great to have an understanding of what you mean by it's okay to give parents ideas for Martin Luther King Jr day,Do you have a problem with coming up wth ideas? or is it MLK.... If that comment is PC please do explain..........

I agree it is sad that people have to watch what they say. Not only are people not getting taught respect as you say but there are many who almost too easily take offense as some are pointing out here with the Christmas example.

As for where I work, I would love to boot people who can't watch what they say, but sometimes it's not that easy in this day of law suits. For the holiday issue... I don't personally have a problem with MLK day. It's the factor of that is the only holiday that is brought to light for families. Every year we always have parents who are upset by not celebrating holidays in the classroom and then we send home ideas for celebrating one. It's a little hypocritical. Primarily we don't do hoildays because of the developmental impact with the children since we have SUCH a diverse group of children. Our teachers don't really like it, but most understand it. Hopefully that makes sense.

Are you politically correct?

tooobeautiful — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:41:27 GMT

Its sad that you really have to watch what you say these days. I believe if you have to try to watch what you say...you should give yourself a break and analize yourself. Figure out why you have to remind yourself and staff of having the same politeness and respect everyones parents should have taught them. Too many reminders mean they should not be working there.(maybe they cant keep it together). I own a preschool program funded by the government. We celebrate Holidays! Maybe you should try a couple of fund-raisers. It would be great to have an understanding of what you mean by it's okay to give parents ideas for Martin Luther King Jr day,Do you have a problem with coming up wth ideas? or is it MLK.... If that comment is PC please do explain..........

Are you politically correct?

lilsquibb — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:42:47 GMT

vivasuzi said…I'm just waiting for the day when the Christmas tree lighting in major cities becomes the "Holiday tree" lighting. Or when I go to Chicago in November and see Holiday lights and no santas b/c someone was offended.

They tried to do this in Lansing for the State tree a few yers ago. So many people protested it the name went back to a Christmas tree.

Are you politically correct?

Telpher — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:19:02 GMT

Thing is, "politically correct" refers to more than just the way we relate to other cultures. An area where it comes in is in the choices we make for food. I know people who are soooo smug, and self satisfied about their "politically correct" choice to follow a vegetarian lifestyle, that they feel it's a-ok to pull faces and make loud, obnoxious comments when other people eat meat. On more than one occasion such people have made comments to me about meat being "murder" or about how my ham sandwich "used to be a cute, little pig." That self-righteous stuff is wasted on me. I *know* where food comes from and, as someone who fishes, I long ago came to terms with the fact that my eating meat means an animal's life is lost. What these folks may want to stop and notice is that *most* vegetarians are perfectly fine living and eating in their own way, and being open to others making their own choices.

Are you politically correct?

PattyTherre — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:29:15 GMT

Eyerater said…
When someone stereotypes an individual based on the racial or ethnic or other group with which they are identified, it's stooopid!

It says more about the poor critical thinking of the stereotyper than it says about the group being stereotyped .

But we all are susceptible to doing it.

If we are so busy being "politically correct," how can we think critically and encourage critical thinking in others?

Frankly, I care a whole lot less what you say about me than what you think of me.

Oh, I like the way you think and express those thoughts. I agree 100% with what you are saying! :)

Are you politically correct?

Eyerater — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:02:15 GMT

When someone stereotypes an individual based on the racial or ethnic or other group with which they are identified, it's stooopid!

It says more about the poor critical thinking of the stereotyper than it says about the group being stereotyped .

But we all are susceptible to doing it.

If we are so busy being "politically correct," how can we think critically and encourage critical thinking in others?

Frankly, I care a whole lot less what you say about me than what you think of me.

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:18:04 GMT

Jo said…
Well I guess I am on the other side of the fence. Perhaps it's because I grew up up in a fairly racist home; perhaps it's because I grew up in the 60s/70s; perhaps its my training as a Social Worker; perhaps it is because I am politically liberal Yes I do try to be PC whenever possible which is 99% of the time. As a Jewish woman in the US that too could be a reason or maybe there are no reasons it is just me! Jo

And you know what? There is nothing wrong with that. The problem isn't people being PC as much as it is when they expect EVERYONE else to be their brand of PC. Live and let live. You be Jo and I be Mike and we will get along just fine, even if we disagree about some things. I grew up in the 60s/70s and in a home where racism was, unfortunately, present. I somehow manage to escape that without being a racist myself, probably partly due to my military experience, but partly because, while the rest of the family was racists, my mother was the one I listened to, and she hated racism. Anyway, I do think ,while racism is out there, there are a few who hide behind it and use as a crutch. That makes it tough for those who really ARE discriminated against.

Are you politically correct?

Jo — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:17:38 GMT

Well I guess I am on the other side of the fence. Perhaps it's because I grew up up in a fairly racist home; perhaps it's because I grew up in the 60s/70s; perhaps its my training as a Social Worker; perhaps it is because I am politically liberal Yes I do try to be PC whenever possible which is 99% of the time. As a Jewish woman in the US that too could be a reason or maybe there are no reasons it is just me! Jo

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 07:08:31 GMT

Eyerater said…
Is it fair to turn the situation around? My mother once said to me that being resentful was "like taking poison and expecting the other person to die."

I think she meant, and this is the way I took it, that the only thing we really can control in this world is our own behavior and attitudes.

If we get offended everytime someone says something inconsiderate, unkind or even mistaken, we are letting the bad guys control our lives.

Shame on us! Just shrug it off. It isn't worth the worry or hurt. And it just surrenders power to people who don't deserve it.

I also think that sometimes, just sometimes, taking offense is opportunistic. It allows the offendee to get points up on the offender. How silly.

You can't possibly say anything that "offends" me. I may disagree with your point of view and I may attempt to counter it. But to claim offense is a waste of time and emotional energy.

I like you already!!!

Are you politically correct?

dukethepcdr — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:05:30 GMT

I think Political Correctness is just the modern form of brain washing and thought control. There has been a concerted effort by the people who got the PC movement started to suppress certain thoughts from being expressed. It's ironic that in this day and age when so many taboos from the past have been cast aside by society in general that other thoughts that used to be considered ok are now taboo. You can use just about any cuss word you want to in the media nowadays but you can't say Islam is evil without getting shouted down, for example.

I think being "PC" is rubbish. Just say what you mean to say. What used to be true still is true even if the PC police don't like it.

All these new terms that are supposed to be PC and replace the old terms are nonsense. I especially get sick of the "gender neutral" stuff. I'm not going to change the way I talk or write to please some feminist. A person who puts out fires is a fireman. A person who catches crooks is a policeman. A representative on the city council is a councilman. I'll say "Everyone should mind his own business" instead of saying "his or her own business" if I want to.

I've developed a thick skin over the years and I think way too many people are too thin skinned and allow themselves to get offended way too easily. I'm a "white" (I'm really of Norman ancestry but that's never on the ethnicity lists), straight, Christian male who votes Republican most of the time and grew up raising livestock and hunting game. I can barely breathe without offending some group or another. According to a lot of minority and "special interest" groups, I and my ancestors are to blame for everything.

If I say things in my reviews or opinion pieces that are not PC, don't be surprised. I don't like to hurt people's feelings either, but some of this worrying about what is the right thing to say or call something just goes way too far.

Are you politically correct?

Eyerater — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:26:48 GMT

Is it fair to turn the situation around? My mother once said to me that being resentful was "like taking poison and expecting the other person to die."

I think she meant, and this is the way I took it, that the only thing we really can control in this world is our own behavior and attitudes.

If we get offended everytime someone says something inconsiderate, unkind or even mistaken, we are letting the bad guys control our lives.

Shame on us! Just shrug it off. It isn't worth the worry or hurt. And it just surrenders power to people who don't deserve it.

I also think that sometimes, just sometimes, taking offense is opportunistic. It allows the offendee to get points up on the offender. How silly.

You can't possibly say anything that "offends" me. I may disagree with your point of view and I may attempt to counter it. But to claim offense is a waste of time and emotional energy.

Are you politically correct?

PattyTherre — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:57:08 GMT

elvisdo said…
MikeMaroon said…
Mac? Mac Davis? Mac Powell? Big Mac? Old MAC Donald?
Mac(k) the Knife

My favorite song that is about murder and thugs! I love it. :)

I have had people wish me a happy Kwanzaa and I wasn't offended. They knew I didn't celebrate it but, hey, they were wishing me a happy something. How could I possibly be offended by that?

I do think that many groups get more offended by certain things than the group that is being "targeted" for lack of a better word. I know many white (er, "Caucasian") people who get really upset when other white people call African-Americans "black". I have a LOAD of black friends and they couldn't care less if I refer to them as black. Meanwhile, groups of PC white people are freaking out.

I respect the groups' preferences, NOT what other people THINK is their preference. If someone says to me, "I would prefer to be referred to as XXX", I will gladly do so. But I can't be scared every time I speak that I will offend someone. Heck. I probably do all the time but I sure don't mean it!

Are you politically correct?

elvisdo — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:04:15 GMT

MikeMaroon said…
Mac? Mac Davis? Mac Powell? Big Mac? Old MAC Donald?

Mac(k) the Knife

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:07:05 GMT

Telpher said…
And the BEAT goes on. Now, excuse me, it's my sabbath - in my religion we eat nothing *but* bagels and lox until sundown.

Who are you going to BEAT??? Isn't that a violation of someone's civil rights????

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:06:11 GMT

Oh, and your soapbox is welcome here! I'm always delighted to hear others views. Sometimes I learn stuff!!!!

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:05:05 GMT

Mac? Mac Davis? Mac Powell? Big Mac? Old MAC Donald?

Are you politically correct?

Telpher — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:27:24 GMT

And the BEAT goes on. Now, excuse me, it's my sabbath - in my religion we eat nothing *but* bagels and lox until sundown.

Are you politically correct?

elvisdo — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:19:15 GMT

Am I PC? No, I'm Mac.

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:44:23 GMT

Respect? Wasn't that Aretha???? Oh, and, That's deep! You're SO obviously influenced by McKuen.

Are you politically correct?

Telpher — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:09:19 GMT

Ok, I have to get this off my chest. MikeMaroon, I'm deeply offended by the insensitivity you exhibit by mocking my religion. I refer, of course, to Church of Woody Allen. Believe it or not, fans of Manhattan and Annie Hall bleed when we're cut, just like you! To you, Sleeper may just be a movie...but to some of us, it's a lot more! Respect!

Are you politically correct?

vivasuzi — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:12:32 GMT

MikeMaroon said…
Yeah! What she said! That was my point. I get really sick of people saying "Happy Holidays" because someone might be offended by "Merry Christmas". Oh, freakin' get over yourself!!

You just hit a very sore subject for me there! My husband works in retail and tells me stories of how customers come to him super ticked to him saying "your employee over there just said Merry Christmas to me". COME ON!!!! They act like people say Merry Christmas as a way to INSULT you! And making them not use Christmas trees in stores, give me a break!

How about people who actively fight their city asking them to take down the Jesus display b/c it is offensive. How is it offensive????? How about asking them to put up a Menorah instead so that both religions can be happy?

I just don't understand people who waste their lives PROTESTING something like that. How does a Christmas Tree hurt you? Does it come by and slap any non-christian on the head? Does it speak racial slurs that only non-christians can hear? I don't think so.

I decorate my house loud and proud every year :) It's my right to do so and if my neighbor wants to put a large Menorah in the front yard, or something from another religion, I could care less.

I'm just waiting for the day when the Christmas tree lighting in major cities becomes the "Holiday tree" lighting. Or when I go to Chicago in November and see Holiday lights and no santas b/c someone was offended.

In the end - I think companies have to stop making changes b/c one person or one small tiny group was offended. I bet 95% of people don't care (100% of the ones I've spoken with of all religions don't care). Yet 1 small group of 5% who have NO LIFE spends day in and day out protesting, and writing bad stuff about companies until they take down their Christmas tree.

Go spend your time protesting something worthwhile - like children dying around the world because of hunger - and stop worrying about that dang Christmas tree!

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:10:35 GMT

I understand. AND, being the epitomy of a "live and let live" person, I will never gripe about someone wanting to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, its their right and I served 20 years to defend that right. BUT, for someone to get offended because I say "Merry Christmas", well, that is just the height of narcissm. Sorry, it just is. If you want to say Happy 25th of December I Worship Wood Allen Day!", I might think you are strange, but I'll keep that to myself and just smile politely. After all you do have that right. See, a lot of PC these days is people thinking "my way or the highway" and with no respect for others, instead, it's like the guy who shoots his girlfriend because, "If I can't have her, nobody can".

I fully agree with you that we should be kind and tolerant, especially the "be kind". We don't have to be tolerant of other folks' insincere BS, however. People just need to lighten up and not think THEY are the center of the universe. None of us are!

Are you politically correct?

mysticstarfish — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:52:11 GMT

The whole PC thing is just out of control....ooops, I'm sorry, did that offend you??? Shake it off already! I'm sorry, but the Christmas thing really gets to me. I will look you in the eye, and yes, I will wish you a Merry Christmas! Don't like it??? TOO BAD!

I lived in New York City for 38 years....there are 8 million people cramped into 5 little boroughs. People from all over the world live there. If you ask someone if they are Russian, you will be met with a brutal response of how they are Armenian. Sorry, I'm not a linguist and I wasn't rude...all I did was ask you a question.

Anyway...I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Are you politically correct?

LisaCarey — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:34:00 GMT

For 8 years I worked in a university with international students, many significant others/friends in my life come form all walks. I guess I am probably the least PC person I know. I don't say certain things because 1) they show ignorance 2) they are intolerant and 3) grouping ANYONE is against my own personal ethics/morals/philosophy. I think that in general people are just to caught up in grouping and as a result there are a great many misconceptions about any particular group, ethnicity, or gender. So, my take on this is, I judge a book not by it's cover, but by the story inside it. If everyone took a few more minutes to look beyond the cover and the title they too may find that there are more interesting things in the world that those 'groupings' titles or categories.

Years ago, my very southern grandparents would refer to African Americans as N..... does this offend me? Yes, did I know why? No, I was a child but I did know enough that it "hurt" me to hear the tone of their voice when they said it. Am I being PC by saying African American? No, I don't think so, that is what they prefer and so that is what I say. Am I saying it to be correct? no, but to provide a level of respect and consciousness of what and how they feel.

For our Arabic friends, I have been on the recieving end, I look Palestian or Egyptian, my dress and speaking a little Arabic caused me no end of grief in some situations so realize both sides of the equation.

IMHO, I say what I have to say, if someone is offended unintentionally by my saying Merry Christmas or whatever, I most humbly apologize. But it is their hang up not mine, The gift we have is to be kind and tolerant, to forget labels and judgments and just do what we do and say what we say. What is it they say.. .walk a mile in their shoes -- then decide if what you say is just correct or politically correct.

sorry, can you tell my minor was in cross cultural communication? :-) I am off my soapbox.

Are you politically correct?

Telpher — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:18:33 GMT

Jeez. Last year I was corrected for using the term "Christmas shopping" by someone who preferred the term "holiday shopping." Um, I don't celebrate any holiday in December *except* Christmas, and, last I checked, most gift shopping being done in December in American cities wasn't for Kwaanza or Chanukuh or any other holiday, but Christmas. It's not *anti*-anything to state a simple fact and use the word "Christmas" in December. Sheesh.

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:05:13 GMT

PattyTherre said…
I don't know. I don't go out of my way to insult others with labels that offend and I do tend to try to be sensitive to people of all races, religions, and even sexual preferences. However, I think we go overboard when it comes to trying to be PC sometimes. The Don Imus thing is one of those overboard things. This time. Last time was just dumb of him. This time, it's so nothing. Everyone is just waiting to be offended. I, like Vivasuzi, am one half Arab (I'm Irish and a touch of English too). I don't offend when people make jokes aimed at me because of it. My best friend calls me a towel head. He isn't being mean. Just joking. If I got mad every time someone said something just a tad off, I would be mad all the time.
I do, however, get upset when I see people going out of their way to insult a group of people or a person based on anything from race to a disability. I get more upset when I hear people call disabled people "gimps" or "retards" than I do when I hear a racial slur.
I think more than the words, it is the intent of the words that is offensive. I'm sick of everyone being offended by everything!

Yeah! What she said! That was my point. I get really sick of people saying "Happy Holidays" because someone might be offended by "Merry Christmas". Oh, freakin' get over yourself!!

Bob, that's what I'm talking about. I understand completely where you are coming from and there is a decorum we observe in a meeting at work that we don't having a beer with a buddy. Agreed. What I'm talking about though, is people who get offended if you do something an don't include them. You know, the ones who feel they have a right to be included in everything, like the mom who insists her little girl should be allowed in the Boy Scouts. The atheist who doesn't want ANYONE to pray at the sports event because they don't want to. The person who plays the "race card" at every little percieved slight. THOSE PC people, I object to. If YOU don't want to pledge allegience to the flag, fine. But don't take your big head down to the school board and insist NOBODY should be allowed to say the pledge because you don't want to. Here's where I like to quote Mr Henley in regards to these folks, "I'd like to find your inner child and kick his little a@#"

Are you politically correct?

PattyTherre — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:03:33 GMT

I don't know. I don't go out of my way to insult others with labels that offend and I do tend to try to be sensitive to people of all races, religions, and even sexual preferences. However, I think we go overboard when it comes to trying to be PC sometimes. The Don Imus thing is one of those overboard things. This time. Last time was just dumb of him. This time, it's so nothing. Everyone is just waiting to be offended. I, like Vivasuzi, am one half Arab (I'm Irish and a touch of English too). I don't offend when people make jokes aimed at me because of it. My best friend calls me a towel head. He isn't being mean. Just joking. If I got mad every time someone said something just a tad off, I would be mad all the time.

I do, however, get upset when I see people going out of their way to insult a group of people or a person based on anything from race to a disability. I get more upset when I hear people call disabled people "gimps" or "retards" than I do when I hear a racial slur.

I think more than the words, it is the intent of the words that is offensive. I'm sick of everyone being offended by everything!

Are you politically correct?

steve9631 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:47:59 GMT

PC is a very subjective terminology. If your rude at the expense of someones feelings, it's not politically incorrect, your just a jerk. If you sacrifice what you believe to be true for the sake of someone who's believes other than you, then you show disregard for those who believe as you, and for yourself. That being said, there is often a price to pay for what you feel is honesty. So I guess my answer would be no, I'm not politically correct. My philosophy is to respect ones self, and respect others, and I do not define that within the parameters of political correctness. Dammit.

Are you politically correct?

Telpher — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:58:12 GMT

Sometimes common sense just comes into play. My workplace is a multicultural experience, which is cool. A few staff members are from Latin American countries, and they often speak to me in Spanish. I have no shame about being a Spanish speaker, and I certainly have shame about my ethnicity, but I was raised with the concept that it's rude to speak Spanish (or any language) if there are people in the room who don't know the language. The only language *everyone* in my workplace speaks is English. I always answer in English. Based on how I was raised, and what I believe, it's the polite, common sense thing to do. My co-workers view this as an indication that I am "not PC", that I'm down on the Spanish speaking population - which couldn't be further from the truth. I've actually had a very green, idealistic co-worker ask "If you're not willing to be PC, why did you get a job in this field?" My answer is pretty much that I don't believe the efforts to move towards equity should have ever been so confused with pandering to the unreasonable demands of a select few in the name of political correctness...or with the inability to exhibit a sense of humor.

Are you politically correct?

bkovacs — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:22:52 GMT

We all like to say that we're not PC but it is a disease we have all caught. If you went back 40 years, you would be shocked at the things people said in casual conversation, so we have all been sensitized about what is acceptable in certain situations. This is the essence of political correctness -- it's not what you say to your buddy over a beer. It's what you will say in a meeting at work.

If you are careful not to use certain language when talking to your mailman or a PTA meeting, then you are appropriately politically correct. Just because you use those words with a buddy when you're driving to the auto parts store doesn't make you any less PC.

I'll paddle upstream on this one and say that a healthy dose of political correctness is a good thing, maybe even a great thing. It has made us a helluva lot more understanding and willing to accept others. I don't see a downside with that.

--Bob

Are you politically correct?

lilsquibb — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:42:14 GMT

Telpher said…
Nope. I work at a very, very lefty, PC organization, where I'm known as "the Capitalist." I also take way too much joy in the comedy of people like Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler to be considered PC. I feel the world would be a much better place if people would lighten the %$#*@ up, 90% of the time.

I didn't know you workd where I do. lol.... I work in a preschool program, funded buy the government. The one thing we have to battle every year is parents and staff complaining that we don't celebrate holidays. But yet it's ok to give fmilies ideas for MLK day.

Being in a supervisory position, I try to keep in mind who I'm talking to and I continuously have to remind some of my staff members to be mindful of not only what they say but how they say it.

On the other hand, my hubby is so not PC. Sometimes I have to remind him to watch what he says in certain settings.

Are you politically correct?

Telpher — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:40:59 GMT

Nope. I work at a very, very lefty, PC organization, where I'm known as "the Capitalist." I also take way too much joy in the comedy of people like Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler to be considered PC. I feel the world would be a much better place if people would lighten the %$#*@ up, 90% of the time.

Are you politically correct?

vivasuzi — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:39:56 GMT

I'm anti-PC and agree with everything you've said. Why do people have to be so worried about offending people on accident all the time? I believe I know when a person has good intentions and when a person has bad intentions. So it comes down to this: it doesn't matter what you say, it's what you meant by it that matters. If you meant to hurt or insult a person, then it's wrong. If you were just telling a silly joke or said something you didn't think was bad, then you shouldn't be in trouble or fired for it.

BTW - As someone who is 50% Arabic, 25% polish and 25% irish, I hear (and make) lots of jokes that I laugh at. But one time someone I worked with said something I couldn't believe.... she said to a black girl "well I'd rather see you blacks moving to town then those arabs". Offended us both in one shot! We looked at each other and just had to laugh b/c it was so outrageous. I don't think she knew I was arabic but even so she indicated that the black girl was only slightly better than the arabic people.

Are you politically correct?

CyndiA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:10:34 GMT

Damn straight I'm PC. Just ask the last person I gave a hard time.

Add - Just kidding of course.

Are you politically correct?

MikeMaroon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:38:26 GMT

Just wondering what the general philosophy is here. I'm the least politically correct person I know. I think that people who are easily offended have egos that are too big. I'm not talking about racial slurs or just plain meanness. For example, take Don Imus. Please. Anyway, the first trouble he was in, about calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy-headed ho's", he had that coming. That was rude and uncalled for. On the other hand, the most recent bruha-ha about his remarks last week is just a bunch of foolishness, or "much a-do about nothing". Me, I'd never hurt anyone's feelings on purpose, as I don't have a mean bone in my body. (Well, maybe 1). What's your take on "political correctness"?