Are we (Americans) too Politically correct?

1. 61

   dejajolieposted 15 years ago

   I am all for being careful not to offend anyone but as someone who is not easily offended, it's hard for me to understand those who get offended over such things:
   
   Use to say                      PC Term
   Merry Christmas                 Happy Holidays
   Stripper                        Exotic Dancer
   Fat                             Overweight
   Black                           African American
   White                           Caucasian
   Janitor                         Facilities Coordinator
   
   Is it just me or are we being TOO sensitive?
   (Disclaimer) *I apologize in advance if I offended anyone*

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Cagsilposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      So much so, it's actually beyond the point of pathetic, moving it's way to becoming intolerable.

      replyreport
      1. 0

         A Texanposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         I agree I am intolerant of those who seek to be tolerant!

         replyreport
   2. 72

      rhamsonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I think it started in the classrooms where well intentioned teachers wanted all of the children to feel that they were special and not to offend anyone or be offended.  Unfortunately it has gotten in our heads that just being alive is offensive to some people and they don't care what you think of them and vice versa.
      
      Oh by the way I was a janitor in a bakery in the '70's and my boss wanted us to refer to each other as "enviornmental engineers" LOL We all had a laugh at that one LOL

      replyreport
      1. 61

         dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Yeah, and it's not so much that we want to be PC so as to not offend others, but people acutally get mad when you use one of the 'old' terms that you have been using for 20 years Ex: excuse me for not getting the MEMO that I am NOW suppose to call Secretaries Administrative Assistants......

         replyreport
   3. 64

      prettydarkhorseposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      it is about respecting other people because words have cultural connotations, some culture are sensitive to words that identify with them

      replyreport
   4. 0

      cosetteposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      heh... "facilities coordinator"
      
      if i were a janitor, i would say "call me JANITOR".
      
      PC has, ironically, caused more trouble than it is supposed to prevent. we have become entirely too peevish and sensitive. the term "whiny little beyotches" comes to mind.

      replyreport
      1. 59

         JaShinYaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Ha! Like a superhero. "The Janitor. Cleaning up crime."
         
         Or is that a Scrubs reference?

         replyreport
      2. 61

         dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         LOL I know what's next "How dare you call me a Writer, I am offended, I am a Orchestrator of Words" lol

         replyreport
   5. 0

      thetruthhurts2009posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      @ title YES!!

      replyreport
   6. 60

      DeeJay Primeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      \
      
      I feel that if you describe anyone by race it is raceist. You can describe anyone a million ways. That also goes for gender or wieight. no one deserves to be put in some sort of "class".

      replyreport
      1. 0

         sneakorocksolidposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         But what if you can't read?

         replyreport
      2. 60

         tksenseiposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Why not? Sometimes that's entirely appropriate.

         replyreport
      3. 0

         TMinutposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         That's a bit excessive IMO. I was being sent to talk to someone in a store once, they all had uniforms on, two women were working and I was supposed to ask one of them for certain info. The woman sending me said: "She's the one that's a little taller, well, her hair's a little darker. Okay, see the one who just bent dow...wait, now she's the one on the right..."
         I quickly got fed up with that idiocy and asked, "Good grief, the white woman or the black one?" How is it offensive to have eyes? Why is it offensive to be of a race and someone can see?
         
         "Fat" I wouldn't say to someone or about them since it's likely something they'd prefer to change.

         replyreport
         1. 61

            dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            lol that's funny.......

            replyreport
   7. 60

      Colebabieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I don't use any of the PC words. Except maybe Happy Holidays, but I live in South Florida with a very high Jewish Population, so that is just my norm.

      replyreport
   8. 69

      AdsenseStrategiesposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Probably

      replyreport
   9. 0

      cosetteposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      yes.

      replyreport
2. 61

   Jonathan Jancoposted 15 years ago

   I'm about as left as anyone I know, and I don't really see the point of it. To me, political correctness is representing the people instead of the big banks.

   replyreport
3. 77

   livelongerposted 15 years ago

   I disagree with the Black/White terms. I don't think the vast majority of white or black people mind being called that.
   
   "Merry Christmas" is presumptuous, not insensitive. I do reply "Happy Hanukkah" when people say "Merry Christmas" to me. No harm done!
   
   As for the others - I think if you *are* any of these things, you might find the "used to say" terms disparaging. What you call PC is what others might say is "considerate."

   replyreport
   1. 61

      dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Well when I worked in corporate we were shunned for saying either Blk or Wht we had to say African American or Caucasian....HR would be notified, it was out of control. I think it's all too complicated, My grandmothers always sasid "It's not what someone calls you, it's what you answer to that matters"

      replyreport
      1. 77

         livelongerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Wow, I've never worked in such a draconian atmosphere, thankfully.

         replyreport
      2. 61

         Jonathan Jancoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         That's funny, because when I worked in corporate, I was reported to HR for saying, "You dirty, criminal scumbags are deliberately trying to ruin our lives!"
         The gaul of some people, ya know?!

         replyreport
         1. 69

            Flightkeeperposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            Was it because you said that to the CEO?

            replyreport
            1. 61

               Jonathan Jancoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

               No, I said it to one of my eight different supervisors.

               replyreport
               1. 69

                  Flightkeeperposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                  You had eight supervisors? It's a wonder you didn't say anything worse.

                  replyreport
                  1. 61

                     Jonathan Jancoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                     Yeah, but I had the last laugh. When I went to HR, I ended up giving my notice. Six months later, all but one of those eight were let go and I was reoffered my previous job.
                     Karma's a bee-otch, ain't it?!

                     replyreport
                     1. 69

                        Flightkeeperposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                        Sweet.  And it sounds like the company got rid of a lot of dead weight.

                        replyreport
                     2. 61

                        dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                        See now you went and offended all of the BEES out there... it's Biotch!..........LMBO

                        replyreport
         2. 61

            dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            LOL < How dare you....

            replyreport
4. 60

   h.a.borcichposted 15 years ago

   I think you are on to something:) Seems everything is more complicated due to hypersensitivity with verbage. Then again it is a bit more than that when boys are fighting for rights to be in the girls scouts etc. JMHO

   replyreport
5. 59

   JaShinYaposted 15 years ago

   whether you're on the left or right, You'd have to be an a complete moron to not see how ridiculous it is.
   
   Actually I guess it's not entirely lawmakers' faults. People are waaayyyy too sensitive too. If you don't like it when someone says "Merry Christmas" then don't listen or don't be around them. You always have a choice.
   
   Also, it's so inconsistent. I'll be honest and say that I make a lot of jokes about stereotypes. But not because it malicious.. it's just damn funny. But really, if there's going to a problem, then don't make it alright for someone to call a white persona  cracker, but not alright for someone to say the N word or whatever.
   
   I could go on all day about this.

   replyreport
   1. 61

      Jonathan Jancoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Did you leave out a 'not' there somewhere?

      replyreport
      1. 61

         Jonathan Jancoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         OOOOH! Too late!

         replyreport
6. 59

   JaShinYaposted 15 years ago

   Ahaha. Yeah I saw that already. *edited
   
   Also, I offended you called me out! *angry face*
   
   (joking)

   replyreport
   1. 61

      Jonathan Jancoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Called you out? No, I'm just a smart@ss!

      replyreport
7. 57

   C.J. Wrightposted 15 years ago

   Yes, its down right offensive!

   replyreport
   1. 61

      dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      What's offensive?

      replyreport
      1. 57

         C.J. Wrightposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         PC...

         replyreport
8. 77

   Uninvited Writerposted 15 years ago

   I have yet to meet anyone who has taken offence at any of those terms.

   replyreport
9. 68

   wyanjenposted 15 years ago

   "Happy Holidays" is not a politically correct term.
   There are so many holidays at this time of the year, this is just a term that covers all of them.
   
   It's a shorter way of saying "Merry Christmas And Happy New Year", if nothing else.
   
   Not sure why it's included on the list...
   
   

   replyreport
   1. 77

      Uninvited Writerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Oh you know...that old "War on Christmas" thing

      replyreport
      1. 68

         wyanjenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Oh, that old thing?
         
         Well, I've been hearing the term "Happy Holidays" going back many years before the whole war began...
         I guess I'm just not associating one with the other.

         replyreport
   2. 61

      dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      It's included on the list Because as the person who started the Forum, and someone who has worked in Corporate America and THUS made to follow the "rules of PC". We were told to say Happy Holidays (not to cover New Years) so that people who don't believe in Christ don't get offended by Merry Christmas....We certainly didn't have to say Happy Holiday for Halloween....Thank You!

      replyreport
10. 0

    Denno66posted 15 years ago

    Bing Crosby would roll over in his grave.....

    replyreport
11. 0

    Denno66posted 15 years ago

    Started by the Hare Krishnas

    replyreport
    1. 68

       wyanjenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks a ton.
       Now I've got "My Sweet Lord" in my head.
       It is worse that The Song That Never Ends. Once it's in my head it will circle around for hours.

       replyreport
       1. 0

          Denno66posted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Doodalang Doodalang.......

          replyreport
       2. 77

          Uninvited Writerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Lol...
          
          I'm hearing the Hare Krishna song from Hair myself

          replyreport
          1. 68

             wyanjenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             Yes!
             Thanks!
             Song is now replaced

             replyreport
             1. 0

                Denno66posted 15 years agoin reply to this

                Doodalang doodalang.....

                replyreport
                1. 68

                   wyanjenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                   not cool, just not cool.
                   
                   

                   replyreport
                   1. 0

                      Denno66posted 15 years agoin reply to this

                      My job here is done.....(trots off into the sunset)

                      replyreport
             2. 77

                Uninvited Writerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                For those who don't recall the song:
                
                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Ww3Im_KsU

                replyreport
                1. 0

                   Denno66posted 15 years agoin reply to this

                   Bless you.

                   replyreport
12. 0

    Denno66posted 15 years ago

    Merry Christmas, then.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       Scott.Lifeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       and a happy new year!!!

       replyreport
       1. 0

          Denno66posted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Damned straight!

          replyreport
13. 77

    Uninvited Writerposted 15 years ago

    I am not religious but I always say Merry Christmas to people.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       Denno66posted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I seek out the ones with Yamulkes

       replyreport
       1. 68

          wyanjenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          No surprise.
          Your green sheep-jockey is wearing one.

          replyreport
14. 68

    wyanjenposted 15 years ago

    Me too UW. I don't celebrate Christmas, but I say it to people who do and I sure as heck don't get offended when it is said to me.
    

    replyreport
15. 0

    sneakorocksolidposted 15 years ago

    We're losing the moral high ground. We aren't the example any more now we're just ordinary.

    replyreport
16. 85

    jiberishposted 15 years ago

    http://www.freewebs.com/bannedwords/
    
    Here is a list of banned words etc, I apologize in advance if anyone is offended, but I did not make up this list, just passing it along.

    replyreport
17. 87

    G.L.A.posted 15 years ago

    'Political Correctness' is the politically correct definition of just another of our many already stolen freedoms.. Freedom of Speech

    replyreport
    1. 61

       dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       agreed

       replyreport
18. 57

    Tamarii2posted 15 years ago

    I think the whole world is getting caught up on how they talk to someone. A CNN host just left His job because of things said... on national tv etc.(Week of Nov 15,2009) What happened to free speech? What we say  can cause all kind of wars.

    replyreport
19. 65

    Lisa HWposted 15 years ago

    Merry Christmas                 Happy Holidays
    This one is too much.  If someone wished me a happy "whatever" day (that they celebrate, and I don't) I'd think it was just a nice thing.  Getting offended at someone else's holiday is just being a jerk.
    
    Stripper                        Exotic Dancer
    Both words mean the same to me.  Someone says, "exotic dancer," and I think, "stripper".  Kind of like "car" and "automobile".  I don't mind "erring on the side of what sounds nicer" for the dancers in question.
    
    Fat                             Overweight
    Technically, "fat" is a substance.  I think it's right that "overweight" (an adjective) is used.  Again, erring on the side of what's a little more appropriate isn't such a bad thing in this instance.
    
    Black                           African American
    White                           Caucasian
    
    "Black" and "White" are easy, even if people are technically brown, light cream, sort of yellow-ish brown, or whatever color they are.  Not all Black people have much of a link to Africa, and "African American" is just too long anyway.  "Caucasian" sounds "technical" or "census-related" or something.  I don't like the "technical" terms.  I just think of myself as a White person. 
     
    Janitor                         Facilities Coordinator
    
    This one is just stupid.  There's nothing wrong with "janitor".
    
    So, in answer to OP's question:  Sometimes yes, but not necessarily always. 

    replyreport
    1. 61

       dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Ii love the breakdown I agree, esp for myself I am Black/Hispanic so if someone wants to refer to me as Black that's fine, African American omits my Hispanic heritage. (off-topic) I do have a problem when trying to fill out applications though as they usually state Black (non-hispanic) or Hispanic? I just choose both...

       replyreport
20. 80

    mega1posted 15 years ago

    Is there a politically correct way to say "Please don't get your panties all in a twist"  ?  I need to say that to someone very sensitive on another forum>  HELP

    replyreport
    1. 59

       JaShinYaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       "Deal with it"
       
       That's what I usually say anyway.

       replyreport
    2. 59

       tony0724posted 15 years agoin reply to this

       There might be some panties that get offended . Be careful !

       replyreport
21. 80

    mega1posted 15 years ago

    thanks awfully so much!

    replyreport
22. 80

    mega1posted 15 years ago

    would those be all cotton panties?  because I think those are much more pc than the silk or rayon variety!

    replyreport
23. 78

    thisisoliposted 15 years ago

    you think America is bad because of that?
    
    In England now, you shouldn't call normal people normal, you should call them 'non-disabled', there are a thousand more examples.

    replyreport
    1. 61

       dejajolieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Oh that is bad.... What is normal anyway?
       
       There are tons more examples, those are just the ones I had fresh in my head.... I'm sure there's a website for this anyway

       replyreport
24. 0

    Denno66posted 15 years ago

    Hmmm, I've never been asked if I'm European-American.

    replyreport
25. 61

    dejajolieposted 15 years ago

    @ Cole Yeah I lived in Miami for 4 years, and because I speak Spanish but don't "look" like I do, I've been told (Whatever that means) that is the only place people/strangers would ask me "What are you?" Talk about having a little decorum, this is not even about being PC, just polite....lol.
    
    I got over it though, I had to maybe moving back there next year...

    replyreport