This Is Politically Incorrect
July 12, 2009 · carl · Print This Article
A recent conversation with a friend of my wife left both of us somewhat flustered. She took issue with the fact that I referred to a “homeless” person as a bum.And it got me to thinking just how silly this thing of using politically correct terminology has become. So I decided to share my thoughts on this issue:
“Bum” became “homeless person.”
Sorry, but with all of the help available from social service and mental health agencies, as well as various charities, if you choose to sleep on a park bench it’s your own fault. Get a job, no matter how menial it might be, and find a bed in a rooming house.
”Christmas” became “Festival of Trees.” Look, try and understand this. Christians celebrating the birth of Christ is no more a festival of trees than Hanukkah is a festival of candles.
“Died” first became “Passed On” and now it’s simply “Passed”.
I was OK with passed on, but as far as passed, forget it. What is this, some sort of test? When someone is dead, they are not going to pass anything, except perhaps a church on their way to the cemetery.
“Founding Fathers” became “The Founders.”
Sorry ladies, but if your ego is so fragile that this country exists due to the efforts of a bunch of men, you need much more help than I could possibly give you.
“Illegal Aliens” became “Undocumented Immigrants.”
This one really gets me.Maybe illegal aliens are gangbangers from outer space, and undocumented immigrants are simply people who live in the U.S. without being bothered by becoming citizens.
I’m sure we will re-visit this issue at another time, but feel free to send your comments.
Just make sure you aren’t politically incorrect.
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Carl,
Political Correctness is a plague. As with most things it started with good intentions and was carried too far to the point when it induces stigma. If you are not “PC” you run the risk of being deemed racist,sexist,homophobic or just plain ignorant. I think people need to learn how to be respectful to people but say what they need to say as honestly as possible. I for one refuse to be “PC”. I know I am not a racist, or sexist or homophobic so I don’t need to skirt around words as if I was. As always thanks for your thoughts.
Your friend,
Erica
Erica
As always, thanks for your kind words.
I, like you, don’t go out of my way to offend anyone, however, if I happen to use a non-PC word or phrase, so be it.
If someone is that narrow midned I don’t care to speak with them anyway.