Political Correctness

[Giant Saguaro]

It's just getting too carried away - this stuff is ridiculous. Back in 2002 or 2003 some guy in Colorado, I believe, named an intramural team "The Fightin' Whites" and had for a logo/mascot a white guy in a suit. He wanted to raise "awareness," which meant he wanted to offend people. No one said a word. I sure wasn't offended. You guys probably read about that.

I don't see anything wrong with the FSU mascot or the Redksins. Next they'll be going after the KC Chiefs, even though a few years ago someone from the PC Police said that one was "okay." Man, these people are nuts.

[Max Power]

It's just getting too carried away - this stuff is ridiculous. Back in 2002 or 2003 some guy in Colorado, I believe, named an intramural team "The Fightin' Whites" and had for a logo/mascot a white guy in a suit. He wanted to raise "awareness," which meant he wanted to offend people. No one said a word. I sure wasn't offended. You guys probably read about that.

I heard about it. I actually found it funny.

[dazzleman]

Political correctness is a horrible thing.

^^^^^^^^

Political correctness is insidious and contributes to society's problems.

Those who subscribe to it are morons who cannot think for themselves.

[Alcon]

Political correctness does piss me off, but I've mentioned this before, anti-political correctness can be just as politically correct and politically correctness itself.

I occasionally get jumped on for referring to someone as a "Native American" instead of "Indian."  Sure, I could use "American Indian," but I just think "Native American" sounds better and I don't think that just because it is sort of PC, I shouldn't ever use "Native American."  That would just be...politically correct.

[dazzleman]

Political correctness does piss me off, but I've mentioned this before, anti-political correctness can be just as politically correct and politically correctness itself.

I occasionally get jumped on for referring to someone as a "Native American" instead of "Indian."  Sure, I could use "American Indian," but I just think "Native American" sounds better and I don't think that just because it is sort of PC, I shouldn't ever use "Native American."  That would just be...politically correct.

There's nothing wrong with using the term Native American, but since I was born here, I consider myself a Native American.  I don't like the term because it implies that nobody except American Indians have a right to be here, and that goes against the spirit of our country (as does the whole PC movement in general).

[Alcon]

Political correctness does piss me off, but I've mentioned this before, anti-political correctness can be just as politically correct and politically correctness itself.

I occasionally get jumped on for referring to someone as a "Native American" instead of "Indian."  Sure, I could use "American Indian," but I just think "Native American" sounds better and I don't think that just because it is sort of PC, I shouldn't ever use "Native American."  That would just be...politically correct.

There's nothing wrong with using the term Native American, but since I was born here, I consider myself a Native American.  I don't like the term because it implies that nobody except American Indians have a right to be here, and that goes against the spirit of our country (as does the whole PC movement in general).

I don't really think that implies it, unless it is taken at a very literal level.  It is one of those cases where, even if the word itself may not be great, there is no realistic alternative ("Preceding Americans"?)

[dazzleman]

Political correctness does piss me off, but I've mentioned this before, anti-political correctness can be just as politically correct and politically correctness itself.

I occasionally get jumped on for referring to someone as a "Native American" instead of "Indian."  Sure, I could use "American Indian," but I just think "Native American" sounds better and I don't think that just because it is sort of PC, I shouldn't ever use "Native American."  That would just be...politically correct.

There's nothing wrong with using the term Native American, but since I was born here, I consider myself a Native American.  I don't like the term because it implies that nobody except American Indians have a right to be here, and that goes against the spirit of our country (as does the whole PC movement in general).

I don't really think that implies it, unless it is taken at a very literal level.  It is one of those cases where, even if the word itself may not be great, there is no realistic alternative ("Preceding Americans"?)

I'm perfectly happy using the old term -- American Indian.  I don't think we ever needed a new term, and if we do, I would choose something other than Native American.

[dazzleman]

I have no problem with the word being debated (although I have to say that "American Indian," accurate as it may be, sounds incredibly retarded to me) as long as we don't get to the point where we have reverse Political Correctness.

We already do, and it was ignited by those who started political correctness.  Once those people started corrupting the language, they ignited a war.  Political correctness is an implied indictment of many traditional values, and those who push it can't expect those who favor traditional values not to fight back.

It reminds me of those who say it's wrong to amend the constitution for particular reasons.  But these same people say we should sit by passibly while a court illegitimately amends the constitution, effectively, and that's right.

Or those who say that "religion" should be eradicated from public life, even while forcing their own "religion" down people's throats.

It's a disingenuous tactic.

[Alcon]

I have no problem with the word being debated (although I have to say that "American Indian," accurate as it may be, sounds incredibly retarded to me) as long as we don't get to the point where we have reverse Political Correctness.

We already do, and it was ignited by those who started political correctness.  Once those people started corrupting the language, they ignited a war.  Political correctness is an implied indictment of many traditional values, and those who push it can't expect those who favor traditional values not to fight back.

It reminds me of those who say it's wrong to amend the constitution for particular reasons.  But these same people say we should sit by passibly while a court illegitimately amends the constitution, effectively, and that's right.

Or those who say that "religion" should be eradicated from public life, even while forcing their own "religion" down people's throats.

It's a disingenuous tactic.

I understand what you're saying, but it does seem as if you're now just associating a bunch of things you dislike, more for the sake of pointing out your dislike than connecting them.  That or I am missing your point by connecting these.

(I don't mean to sound mean in this remark, but I just don't understand why you mentioned these - they may be properties shared, but they're just different forms of irrationality.)

[dazzleman]

I have no problem with the word being debated (although I have to say that "American Indian," accurate as it may be, sounds incredibly retarded to me) as long as we don't get to the point where we have reverse Political Correctness.

We already do, and it was ignited by those who started political correctness.  Once those people started corrupting the language, they ignited a war.  Political correctness is an implied indictment of many traditional values, and those who push it can't expect those who favor traditional values not to fight back.

It reminds me of those who say it's wrong to amend the constitution for particular reasons.  But these same people say we should sit by passibly while a court illegitimately amends the constitution, effectively, and that's right.

Or those who say that "religion" should be eradicated from public life, even while forcing their own "religion" down people's throats.

It's a disingenuous tactic.

I understand what you're saying, but it does seem as if you're now just associating a bunch of things you dislike, more for the sake of pointing out your dislike than connecting them.  That or I am missing your point by connecting these.

(I don't mean to sound mean in this remark, but I just don't understand why you mentioned these - they may be properties shared, but they're just different forms of irrationality.)

I mention them because it is the same people pushing these things as are pushing political correctness.  It is all part of the same political thinking and strategy, and therefore all connected.

[Democratic Hawk]

Political correctness has gone stark raving bonkers if you ask me

Dave

[Virginian87]

Political correctness does piss me off, but I've mentioned this before, anti-political correctness can be just as politically correct and politically correctness itself.

I occasionally get jumped on for referring to someone as a "Native American" instead of "Indian."  Sure, I could use "American Indian," but I just think "Native American" sounds better and I don't think that just because it is sort of PC, I shouldn't ever use "Native American."  That would just be...politically correct.

There's nothing wrong with using the term Native American, but since I was born here, I consider myself a Native American.  I don't like the term because it implies that nobody except American Indians have a right to be here, and that goes against the spirit of our country (as does the whole PC movement in general).

I don't really think that implies it, unless it is taken at a very literal level.  It is one of those cases where, even if the word itself may not be great, there is no realistic alternative ("Preceding Americans"?)

I'm perfectly happy using the old term -- American Indian.  I don't think we ever needed a new term, and if we do, I would choose something other than Native American.

Using Indians instead of Native Americans -works for me.

[Joe Kakistocracy]

'Indians' confuses them with people from India.  I blame Columbus for that one.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Siberian-Americans?

[Virginian87]

'Indians' confuses them with people from India.  I blame Columbus for that one.

A once-common term for them was Red Indians, though you don't see that anymore.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Political correctness, like so many things, is only good in small doses.

[Joe Kakistocracy]

Apu: "Today, I am no longer an Indian living in America.  I am an Indian-American."
Lisa: "You know, in a way, all Americans are immigrants. Except, of course Native Americans."
Homer: "Yeah, Native Americans like us."
Lisa: "No, I mean American Indians."
Apu: "Like me."
Lisa: "No, I mean...."

[Max Power]

Apu: "Today, I am no longer an Indian living in America.  I am an Indian-American."
Lisa: "You know, in a way, all Americans are immigrants. Except, of course Native Americans."
Homer: "Yeah, Native Americans like us."
Lisa: "No, I mean American Indians."
Apu: "Like me."
Lisa: "No, I mean...."

Hahahaha!!! I loved that episode!!!

[Virginian87]

Apu: "Today, I am no longer an Indian living in America.  I am an Indian-American."
Lisa: "You know, in a way, all Americans are immigrants. Except, of course Native Americans."
Homer: "Yeah, Native Americans like us."
Lisa: "No, I mean American Indians."
Apu: "Like me."
Lisa: "No, I mean...."

Hahahaha!!! I loved that episode!!!

Yes, back before the Simpsons started sucking and Family Guy emerged as the superior show.

[phk]

Native American is a fine term, as people from India are supposed to be called Indian.

I'd sorely get confused if two different ethnic groups had the same term.

[Emsworth]

The most irksome example of political correctness is the use of "differently-abled" or "special" instead of "disabled" or "handicapped."

[Virginian87]

The most irksome example of political correctness is the use of "differently-abled" or "special" instead of "disabled" or "handicapped."

"Special people" instead of "mentally retarded people"

[Emsworth]

The most irksome example of political correctness is the use of "differently-abled" or "special" instead of "disabled" or "handicapped."

"Special people" instead of "mentally retarded people"

Precisely. "Mentally handicapped" instead of "retarded" or "backward" I can understand, but "special people" is rather ridiculous.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

The most irksome example of political correctness is the use of "differently-abled" or "special" instead of "disabled" or "handicapped."

From personal experiance I can say that can be very irritating...

[Alcon]

The most irksome example of political correctness is the use of "differently-abled" or "special" instead of "disabled" or "handicapped."

"Special people" instead of "mentally retarded people"

Precisely. "Mentally handicapped" instead of "retarded" or "backward" I can understand, but "special people" is rather ridiculous.

I think that is very stupid, too, although I'd probably use it around the person in question...or not.  Honestly, that is the stupidest sounding PC term of them all.