>>Jeez!! How far does this political correctness BS extend?<<
Ole, we live in a nation burdened by a great many people actively looking for an
excuse to be offended or play the role of victim. It is, I believe, a defect in
personality. These people have such inadequate personalities that they have
given up all responsibility for their own reactions to events around them.
Children, all.
Do not apologize to such people unless _you_ believe that you have made some
social error. Unless you are running for some public office, P.C. is nothing
but horse crap. I do not discount the need for _social correctness_ -- and we
could use more of that in this country. But, living our lives in timid and
bland style because someone might be able to create some excuse for offense,
where none is intended, creates a boring and sterile environment for the great
fun of personal interaction.
It is _intent_ that matters. Consider the matter of ethnic jokes. When they
are told maliciously, with an intent to demean or offend, people may rightfully
feel insulted. But we've all heard such jokes, in the company of their
subjects, which were received with laughter and harmony among the audience.
Intent. Some people refuse to consider intent, prefering instead to play a
"poor baby" role.
This post is hardly relevant to Tigers, and a strong case can be made for making
a direct post to Mr. Olson instead of to the entire list. But we've seen the
kind of reaction he refers to on this list before, and I think it's worth making
it known that some of us think it's foolish. Would you refuse to lower the top
of your Sunbeam so that you would not offend or the hurt the feelings of people
who don't have convertible tops on their cars? Barf. We deal with facts,
opinion and personality on this list, and most of us are clever enough to
discern the difference.
That's how I see it and, as you might guess, I will not take offense on the
basis of disagreement, which will _surely_ follow. <g>
Eddy "gawd-what-a-gasbag-I-am" Powell
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