Ranting
This is the kind of thing that drives me nuts. From today’s Gazette Readers’ forum:
Autism story used offensive term
In response to the article about Marshall University’s providing help for people with autism, the fact that you referred to these people as “autistics” is offensive and ignorant. They are people who happen to have autism. This term was used throughout the article. It is sad that in today’s society of political correctness this dehumanizing term made it past editors and everyone else as an acceptable headline. ~ Brittany Schroeder
When exactly were we granted the right to never be offended? Criminy, people. Grow a thicker skin.
A week or two ago, I got an email from an editor whose company bought one of my stories about my dog Murry for a collection of dog stories they’re publishing later this year. The only problem is that in the story, I refer to Murry as a blonde (he IS blonde), and the story is titled “Beyond Blonde.” The editor’s boss decided the references to blondes might be offensive, so anywhere “blonde” was mentioned, it was changed.
*sigh*
Are some people really that delicate?
March 20th, 2007 at 11:12 am
I’m with you on this one, Karin. The fascination with being ‘p.c.’ is bordering on the absurd. It doesn’t matter what you say (write), SOMEONE will be offended. Can’t please everyone now, can we? I get tired of the fact that often we have to ignore our own right to express ourselves because of the fact that we might offend the thin-skinned few who are out looking for something about which to complain.
March 20th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Thank you. I can’t tell you how many times I ask myself, “Ok, now how can THIS possibly offend someone?” while I’m writing. I once wrote about how I have to sleep in a splint because of my TMJ and included a line of dialogue to illustrate how silly I sound when it’s in. I got blasted by a woman saying I was making fun of people with speech impediments.
I was a funny-looking kid, especially in junior high. Late to develop, stringy hair, braces. I learned to make the joke about myself before (or better than) the other kids did. Sure, I could’ve been thin-skinned and gotten grown-ups to intervene, but which life-skill serves a kid better, learning to complain or endure?
March 21st, 2007 at 12:13 pm
I agree with momto4–too many folks are just sitting around looking for ways to be offended. Why should anyone have attend “rehab” for making an offensive remark? I’m speaking of the Isaiah Washington/T.R. Knight incident on the set of “Grey’s Anatomy”.
Granted, there may more to the situation than we read in the media, but when did it become a criminal offense to voice one’s opinion or to say something in anger. I’m certain all of have been guilty of both at one time or another.
In my opinion, people need to grow up and act like adults. Just suck it up and get on with life. If I were offended every time some has joked at my expense about red hair, I would be angry all the time.
In his book “I haven’t Understood Anything Since 1962″, the late Lewis Grizzard had some very interesting thoughts about about political correctness (as well as many other topics). If you haven’t read it, I reccomend it.
I’m not advocating that some things which truly are offensive should be tolerated. Racial hatred and bigotry come immediately to mind.
However, some of those who scream the loudest for peace, equality, and human rights are the first ones to do exactly the opposite whenever they hear a comment with which they disagree. Choosing our battles wisely will go a long way in helping us all to truly get along.
March 21st, 2007 at 2:08 pm
I’ll have to get that Grizzard book. (I love his stuff.) Someone told me George Carlin has a good piece about this subject, too. I need to do some searching.
I nearly did a column on this but knew I’d get raked over the coals for being insensitive or intolerant. What I am is tired of the whining.
March 21st, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Karin–to expand on your rhetorical question as to when were we granted the right not to be offended, I’d like to add the following:
When did the thicker-skinned among us lose the right to express our opinion? There are plenty of things that offend me, but again, if I let myself dwell on them, I’d stay angry most of the time.
As I said earlier, pick your battles. Take a stand on the serious issues, and consider the source in the lesser ones. Sometimes the best way to call attention to an issue or an “offensive person” is to let him or her have their say, rant and rave, or whatever. Most of us (myself included)are perfectly cabable of making an @$$ of ourselves, with no help from anyone. Silence really can be golden.
March 22nd, 2007 at 7:49 am
OK, I’ve been PC long enough. Herewith: What do you call a smart blonde? A golden Retriever.
Go ahead, sue me–but I’m skipping rehab!.
March 22nd, 2007 at 7:51 am
By the way, as I’ve gotten older, my hair is now more blonde than it is red. If I offended myself, what the #&!!
March 22nd, 2007 at 1:01 pm
LOL! Love the golden retriever joke. That’s a good one! I never realized you are (or were) a redhead, but maybe I should since you’re acting like one. (Ooh! Did I offend someone with that?)
I have a few unfinished columns I should work on right now while I’m good and wound up, since the main reason I’ve let them sit is because of how many people might get angered by what I have to say.
March 22nd, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Didn’t yoda say that, “anger leads to hatred and hatred leads to suffering?”
Of course, he’s a muppet. What would he know?
March 22nd, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I take great offense to your comment about my actions regarding the topic at hand. (And if you believe that̷
Keep up the good work!