How far can political correctness go?

[ProdigalJunkMail]

This one just goes too far...give me a break!

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/11/26/master.term.reut/index.html

<SNIP>
LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Los Angeles officials have asked that manufacturers, suppliers and contractors stop using the terms "master" and "slave" on computer equipment, saying such terms are unacceptable and offensive.

The request -- which has some suppliers furious and others busy re-labeling components -- came after an unidentified worker spotted a videotape machine carrying devices labeled "master" and "slave" and filed a discrimination complaint with the county's Office of Affirmative Action Compliance.

In the computer industry, "master" and "slave" are used to refer to primary and secondary hard disk drives. The terms are also used in other industries.

"Based on the cultural diversity and sensitivity of Los Angeles County, this is not an acceptable identification label," Joe Sandoval, division manager of purchasing and contract services, said in a memo sent to County vendors.
<SNIP>

How much of this kind of garbage can we take? Is there nothing better for a city official to do than make requests like this???

TheProdigal

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Hey PRodigal I digress

The city of LA has LOTS of African American workers who have to use those terms in their daily life. How likely is it that an African American came up with those terms for COMPUTER language...what if the black cable had been named "nigger" the connector named "pimp" and the conduit named "whore"

How hard is it to language ourselves thoughtfully? Those terms were created by someone as a means of expressing what they do...were there no other terms available? Why did the individual see a need to make this request? Was it out of the blue or were there requests made of him. As a Jew I certainly would not want to use holocaust terms to get my job done daily. Symbolism does matter.

[MojoKrunch]

2. Exactly. How hard to rename it "primary", "secondary"?

Sheesh...

Mojo

[foo_bar]

86. IDE ports are designated primary/secondary

so it'd have to be something new like "dominant" and "submissive". I'd also like a campaign to remind people that "SCSI" is pronounced "scuzzy" not "sexy".

[wuushew]

87. You can have a single IDE device plugged into the secondary port

The master/slave label refers to the relationship between two devices so its not like relabeling would solve the problem.

(on Edit)
I just realized we agree on the matter so don't think I was contesting your point.

[foo_bar]

89. don't get me started on male/female connectors

There's a good reason for everyone to switch to USB.

[Cronus Protagonist]

93. And gender changers too!

Let's not forget other minorities....

Click Here To Find NO MICHAEL JACKSON Buttons, Stickers & Magnets

[MojoKrunch]

101. Ok, how about *flavors*?

The Strawberry and Blueberry HDs are connected to the primary IDE header.
lol

so it'd have to be something new like "dominant" and "submissive".
Oh my.
Why not "top" and "bottom"?

I'd also like a campaign to remind people that "SCSI" is pronounced "scuzzy" not "sexy".
Who pronounces it "sexy"?
I've been playing with them since the old MacII FX days and they were freaking scuzzy *then*!
Too funny.

Mojo

[Character Assassin]

7. C'mon. How many black auto mechanics are offended by slave cylinder?

Or master cylinder?

The city of LA has LOTS of African American workers who have to use those terms in their daily life.

And they're all so poorly educated and/or sensitive that they'd somehow suffer by the use of these terms?

How likely is it that an African American came up with those terms for COMPUTER language...

How likely is it that whoever came up with the terms is irrelevant to whether or not they're used?

what if the black cable had been named "nigger" the connector named "pimp" and the conduit named "whore"

But they're not.

How hard is it to language ourselves thoughtfully?

Hmmm.... 'to language' as a verb.

Answer: it's not, and I would expect someone using the term nigger in terms of any piece of hardware in the worksplace to be disciplined accordingly. But not for using master and slave.

Those terms were created by someone as a means of expressing what they do...were there no other terms available?

At the time, it wasn't a consideration, I'm sure.

Why did the individual see a need to make this request? Was it out of the blue or were there requests made of him. As a Jew I certainly would not want to use holocaust terms to get my job done daily. Symbolism does matter.

Well, as a Scot, I would be suprised if someone used the terms 'Absentee landlord circuit' or 'Highland clearance cylinder'.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

Wow..where are we coming from with that?

And they're all so poorly educated and/or sensitive that they'd somehow suffer by the use of these terms

Rather presumptuous on your part to suggest that language that is derived from a VIOLENCE to which they may have a sensitivity is objectionable on the basis of a lack of education. A really good Republican named SI Hiyakawa seemed to note that language did matter...maybe he was onto something.

How likely is it that whoever came up with the terms is irrelevant to whether or not they're used?

It does have relevence to how they came to be named and how universal that language became by agreement.


Hmmm.... 'to language' as a verb.

I am using it as a verb transitive in that context.....maybe you should use a dictionary before you embarrass yourself.

At the time, it wasn't a consideration, I'm sure.
Sometimes things are not a consideration due to unconsciousness. Do people really stop to consider that they'll be getting the death penalty in short order after they murder? So what to your point.

Well, as a Scot, I would be suprised if someone used the terms 'Absentee landlord circuit' or 'Highland clearance cylinder'.

And as a scot you don't confront this in your everyday life. Your lack of sensitivity in the matter confirms as much.

See...you have one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

[Character Assassin]

48. From here.....

And they're all so poorly educated and/or sensitive that they'd somehow suffer by the use of these terms.

Rather presumptuous on your part to suggest that language that is derived from a VIOLENCE to which they may have a sensitivity is objectionable on the basis of a lack of education.

No, not really. Since there are innumerable peoples who may have been enslaved at one time or another in history, why don't we just strike the terms 'master' and 'slave' entirely from the English language. That way we'll be sure not to step on anybody's toes.

A really good Republican named SI Hiyakawa seemed to note that language did matter...maybe he was onto something.

The work is entitled 'Language in Thought and Action' and is irrelevant to the matter at hand.

How likely is it that whoever came up with the terms is irrelevant to whether or not they're used?

It does have relevence to how they came to be named and how universal that language became by agreement.

We disagree. There are numerous terms in English that can be utilized in a wide variety of contexts. To refuse to acknowledge this (and I am not referring in the least here to you, of course) is, frankly, stupid and indicative of putting politics over reason.

Hmmm.... 'to language' as a verb.

I am using it as a verb transitive in that context.....maybe you should use a dictionary before you embarrass yourself.

I didn't critique your use of it or term that usage incorrect, so being embarassed doesn't really enter into this equation.

At the time, it wasn't a consideration, I'm sure.

Sometimes things are not a consideration due to unconsciousness. Do people really stop to consider that they'll be getting the death penalty in short order after they murder? So what to your point.

How is that in the least relevant to what we're talking about?

Well, as a Scot, I would be suprised if someone used the terms 'Absentee landlord circuit' or 'Highland clearance cylinder'.

And as a scot you don't confront this in your everyday life. Your lack of sensitivity in the matter confirms as much.

Please. Using the terms 'master' and 'slave' does not equate to 'confronting' some past reality in everyday life. If someone actually does allow this to effect their everyday life in a material way, that's just too damn bad.

See...you have one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Any exchange of ideas with you I consider a blessing from heaven, Ducky. You know that.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

51. I have to go have lunch so I can't be argumentative right now

and besides...most of your rebuttal is not worth the energy....but a few points....

Retooling language isn't the end of the world. Considering others objections isn't the end of the world. Hiyakawa gave MANY TALKS on the subject of semantics. Thinking about what we say and determining if that language empowers or disempowers another will not kill us...really it won't.

I think you are a hell of a lot of fun too :D

Happy TURKEY DAY Snookums! I like you with lots of gravy and dressing :evilgrin: ;-)

[Character Assassin]

98. I feel like Madonna, "Ducky don't dodge...."

I have to go have lunch so I can't be argumentative right now

I've never known you to be argumentative, only stubborn, at times.

Retooling language isn't the end of the world.

No, it's not, but it is a slippery slope. And that can be double-plus bad, citizen.

Considering others objections isn't the end of the world. Hiyakawa gave MANY TALKS on the subject of semantics.

Yes, I know. He is sort of an icon in my old academic field, but his observations are not inviolate.

Thinking about what we say and determining if that language empowers or disempowers another will not kill us...really it won't.

The terms 'master' and 'slave' disempower no one.

I think you are a hell of a lot of fun too :D

Happy TURKEY DAY Snookums! I like you with lots of gravy and dressing :evilgrin: ;-)

Likewise, Ducky, but I'm a died-in-the-wool cranberry sauce man.

Slurp.

[Flightful]

21. Language is not a verb

.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

26. Thanks

try being correct next time

language

\Lan"guage\, v. t. To communicate by language; to express in language.

Others were languaged in such doubtful expressions that they have a double sense. --Fuller.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

28. hola out in the LA area!!!

Long time no see...glad to hear your thoughts again!

My complaint here is that while words do mean something, they don't mean everything. The terms master and slave were around long berfore anyone in the US was ever held in captivity...hell, before any of us white folks even got here. There is no need to change them, IMHO. They describe very closely the relationship between drives...this is on the precipice of going completely out of control.

I don't like being called a honky. Cars honk their horns. That offends me. Lets make sure that cars only toot from now on. Ooops, that is a euphemism for passing gas. Well, on that note, what about the people who knock us out before surgery, they pass gas. And you know what else? I'm pretty fat...I don't have a whole lot of a lap to speak of and it hurts my feelings to have to be reminded of it every time I use my laptop...can Dell work on that? This rant could go on for weeks...literally!

You know I love ya! But this PC business is getting to be way too big of a deal. You don't have a right to not be offended.

TheProdigal

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

40. Again..I digress

we are humans ..we live in language...our only hope of any transformation at all is to get at the language we live in and go from there.

The funny thing is that all the cries against PC smack of being offended at being requested to think. Me thinks the anti-PC crowd hides behind the same shit they hurl at those that would ask us to critically evaluate the language that shapes our lives.

And hola...you know I respect you regardless of whether we sing KUMBAYA in the same key. :D

[ProdigalJunkMail]

43. just too many people offended by too much

while we agree on some of this issue, I just think that people are almost out to find something to be offended about. If someone is trying to offend you, then by all means be offended. But when someone places a term with little or no reference to you or your race, then there really isn't too much to be offended about. You just cannot sanitize everything.

KUMBAYA MY LORD...

much love!
TheProdigal

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

47. I think there's too many people being hostile about that which may offend

others without stopping to think that if there really IS a critical mass of people being offended by a term, then why? Is it going too much out of our way to respect their humanity and feelings?

Can't tell you how common it is to hear people use the term JEW PEOPLE DOWN when describing their zeal for a deal...they use the term in front of me then sheepishly backtrack after they see the look on my face...it isn't a look of offense or damage..it is a scowl at their idiocy and thoughtlessness.

[SemperEadem]

45. I certainly hope that they don't change

it's not offensive, unless you're into drama or are extremely uninformed about the work environment into which you chose to place yourself. Master and slave are exactly the funtion the machines are doing---the master machine determines exactly the functions the slave machine(s) will execute. It's a mode of expediency when dubbing or making a copy or for processing purposes.

It has nothing to do with race, or with people seeking an episodic trigger--it has to do with the succinct description of the funtion which the machine performs. Period. Anyone trying to make it more than what it is is a drama queen.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

49. I really love the absoluteness on your side of things

Are there no other terms to describe these functions?

I am less interested in whether they change it than I am in the vociferous resistance to change...I think that is a HOOT!
This issue provides me many hours of entertainment :D Thanks

[luckyluke]

102. You mean you *differ*...

...not *digress*.

As a worker in the computer industry, I find this controversy laughable, much like the 'niggardly' controversy.

-ll

[wryter2000]

3. This is an issue?

Lessee, we have a soaring deficit, an illegal war killing our kids and thousands of Iraqis, polluters in charge of the environment, lies coming out of the White House, food banks out of food. And I'm worried that someone might have to stop saying "master and slave"?...NOT

[sangh0]

5. Yes, for Republicans

It's how they distract attention from real problems which, coincidentally, they created.

[Mentalist]

9. Real problems

speaking of real problems, shouldn't these people be focused on such and not worrying about technical terms on computer parts?

[sangh0]

33. "These people"????

Who are you referring to?

And shouldn't you "be focused on such and not worrying about" these people?

[Mentalist]

4. PC is out of control

and I will continue to be niggardly with my money.

[bushisanidiot]

16. Freepers Like To Use That Word Too. It's Very Childish.

and does nothing but out them for the sheet wearin racists they are. So go ahead.. yuck it up at the expense of the "big tent" votes your party is losing.

heh.. idiots.

[wuushew]

18. sardonicism is a hallmark of the left just as much as tolerance

One entry found for niggardly.


Main Entry: nig·gard·ly
Pronunciation: -lE
Function: adjective
Date: 1571
1 : grudgingly mean about spending or granting : BEGRUDGING
2 : provided in meanly limited supply
synonym see STINGY
- nig·gard·li·ness noun
- niggardly adverb

[Mentalist]

19. What the hell are you talking about

?????

What about that word is racist?

I use it because it is a prime example of people getting offended where none should be taken and because people have gotten in a lot of trouble and/or lost their job because they PROPERLY used the word!

[sangh0]

53. Maybe this will help

What about that word is racist?

The joy racists seem to get when using it - a joy you seem to share.

I use it because it is a prime example of people getting offended where none should be taken and because people have gotten in a lot of trouble and/or lost their job because they PROPERLY used the word!

You use the word "people", which is plural. I only know of one person fired for using the word, and I'm not even sure if he was fired. He may have resigned.

Can you identify more than one person who has been fired for using the word "niggardly", or are you making stuff up to strenthen your weak position?

[bobbyboucher]

24. Geez, bad choice.

Next time you want to make a "runaway PC" comment, don't go out of your way to look so much like Limbaugh. Just some advice. Use the word "niggardly" all you want, but you look bad. Real bad. Who talks like that anyway? Just freepers that I know of.

[Mentalist]

25. David Howard

David Howard, staff member to DC Mayor Anthony Williams talked like that until he was forced out of his job for it. No freeper he.

[bobbyboucher]

31. I couldn't give a rat's arse

about David Howard. Emulating him to make a point is in bad taste however. Again, say "niggardly" all you want if that's what blows your skirt up. I suggest you buy a thesaurus.

[Character Assassin]

36. Or logical consistency, it seems.

Niggardly: http://www.etymonline.com/n2etym.htm

niggard - 1366, nygard, the suffix suggests Fr. origin (cf. dastard), but the root word is probably related to O.N. hnøggr "stingy," from P.Gmc. *khnauwjaz; related to O.E. hneaw "stingy, niggardly," which did not survive in M.E.

IOW, someone gets fired for using a word that someone else found offensive because it sounds like another word, but is completely unrelated, and, hey, that's fine with you.

[bobbyboucher]

60. I know what it means, Merriam,

I just think that a thesaurus is not a bad idea. If I choose to use the word "niggardly", I have conscientiously chosen to use a word that sounds one hell of a lot like "nigger". Sure, the definition isn't "acting like a nigger", but for some reason I have to question why anyone would use that word. It is not a common word at all. I never heard it used until that fellow used it and got fired, or whatever. So while using it isn't technically a bad thing, don't tell me it is common, and don't tell me it doesn't sound like "nigger".

For your information, the word "nigger' holds such a deep-seated disdain within certain communities, it is in bad taste to use the word "niggardly" at a group meeting. If you cannot see why someone might be offended, then I question your sanity. There are plenty of words out there that could be used.

I also question the motives of those who use the word "niggardly". Sure, they could be true, but why would they?

[sangh0]

35. One Dem? Is that it?

Freepers are also in the habit of "stereotyping" people. That's where they make judgements about whole groups of people based on the actions of a few. All you need is the action of one, so you must be a real expert.

[frank frankly]

6. I am surprised that people on DU are upset about this renaming

Bashing anything labeled "PC" is the Right Wing's bread and butter.

the names should be changed, and they were. it is progress.

why the venom against "PC"?

not getting this at all.

:shrug:

[Mentalist]

8. I have extreme venom for PC

and will continue to have it until it is destroyed.

When people can be fired or forced to go to sensitivity training for the PROPER and CORRECT use of a word, PC has gone way to far.

The examples of PC running amok are overwhelming.

[dreissig]

10. Yeah, Cripples Like Being Called That

You're right. This business about calling cripples "disabled" has to go. If you can't walk normally, you're not disabled, you're a cripple. Get used to it!

</sarcasm>

[Character Assassin]

12. Disabled isn't particularly PC. Crap like 'Differently abled' is.

What about 'handicapped'? Does that get anyone's panties in a wad?

I have a business associate who has no use of his legs and will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, and that is exactly the term he uses to describe himself.

[Mentalist]

17. How dare you

talk about that Handycapable person in that manner!

[Character Assassin]

23. Yeah, the Sexual Harassment Panda got after me for that once

[Blue_Chill]

50. Sexual Harassment Panda

Please tell me more about this amazing creature. Pictures perhaps? :D

[wuushew]

55. South Park episode 306

Sexual Harassment Panda visits Mr. Garrison's class. Cartman Sues Stan for sexual harassment and Kyle's dad is getting rich. The boys go in search of "Sexual Harassment Panda" to stop the insanity. They find him at "The Island of Misfit Mascots Commune" and convince him to change his cause. He becomes Petey, the "don't sue people" Panda

[Blue_Chill]

57. lol thanks

that was a much needed laugh. :D

[sangh0]

58. So is that where we get our political philosophy, South Park?

How sad.

[wuushew]

59. So you are one of the South Park is right-wing people?

n/t

[sangh0]

65. No, I think it's a lot like the Simpsons

there's something in there for people of all polical stripes. However, unlike the Simpson's, South Park is not funny.

[Blue_Chill]

61. South Park not PC enough for you?

ahhhh how sad.

[sangh0]

66. Not funny enough for me

and I don't get my political philosophy from cartoon characters. I'm funny that way

[Character Assassin]

99. How is that possible when you have no sense of humor?

Sheesh. Will wonders never cease?

[Beaker]

104. a lot of cartoon characters have very good political philosophies

Too bad you have such an apparently closed mind.
And apparently no sense of humour, either...(South Park...not funny?)

[Beaker]

41. Your business associate sounds like he's "handi-capable"...

nt

[slackmaster]

90. TIMMY!

[SemperEadem]

46. they're being sent for the vicious intent behind the use of the word

not for the use of the word.

[durutti]

11. PC is a Myth

There's no such thing as "political correctness". The whole thing was dreamed up by conservatives to discredit the left, just like the "liberal media". I'm amazed at just how many self-described liberals buy it.

The truth is that the vast majority of these "PC" anecdotes are exagerrated, taken out of context, or just made up.

For me to judge the people who made the decision described in this article, I would have to hear their side of the story. I don't trust media accounts, since they're obviously sensationalistic.

And even if they above account is 100 percent true, so what? If they're more comfortable with calling it something else, who cares? It's not hurting anybody. To want to force people to accept terminology that you're more comfortable with is no better.

I highly recommend the book The Myth of Political Correctness by John K. Wilson.

[frank frankly]

13. hey, that's what I was trying to say

thanks!

[Cocoa]

14. I agree

just rename the fuckers, maybe apologize, and move on.

[Mentalist]

22. apologize?

Who should apologize? To who? And why?

[Cocoa]

29. you're right, not in this case

an apology wouldn't make sense here. Like you said, who would apologize?

[Mentalist]

15. If they were changing

the wording internally that would be fine. But they are demanding that manufacturers change their labeling. That is a whole different ball game.

And you can post your opinion that PC is a work of fiction, but you are wrong. It is real, it is running amok, and it is WRONG.

And I don't care what the PC Police say or do, I will continue to sit INDIAN STYLE and not Tailor Style.

[Cocoa]

20. why?

what principle do you think you're upholding, and why is it so important for you how you describe your sitting position? And what actions have the "PC police" done to oppress you?

[frank frankly]

34. you are a real man, to be sure

what other evil foes do you resist, dear mentalist?

this is for certain--you'll show those crybaby natives a thing or two before your battle is won.

unleash the dogs of war on the all-powerful PC police!!!

[bobbyboucher]

27. Right on.

Nicely put.

[Blue_Chill]

56. It's a myth? You know sometimes I wished I lived under a rock as well.

Sadly people don't realise that PC is no different then the right wing Christians bitching about the F word in classic books. It's often times nothing more then people being offended by things that weren't directed at them in the first place. it's crap.

Take an antropology course to see how dumb PC really is. Whatever word you replace the "bad word" with, will eventually become insulting and the cycle begins again.

[Hep]

63. Hey, I made fun of a crippled guy

and it was deleted. Don't tell me PC is a myth!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

69. Bingo..but there aren't many self-described liberals on this thread

that I notice. The cannard of USING PC as a political issue is what REALLY SMACKS of group think...or shall I say GROUP NON THINK since it is agroup of people protesting the fact that they might have to think before they speak...what a crime!

[burr]

30. this is a dopey distraction...

especially at a time when all our liberities are at risk.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

32. amen, aaron!

or are you a burr in the saddle type of burr? anywho...

This is the kind of stuff that you hear about and read and quite frankly have to 'put up' with in life (mainly in the job market) and there are too many other things to be worried about. Why the hell is someone complaining about the relationship between two hard drives when there is mischief afoot???

TheProdigal

[SemperEadem]

37. It will be dismissed..

How can one claim that they work in a video production environment and be so ignorant of this one basic "video production 101" fact of video production?

It's done with video equipment, it's done with MIDI equipment, it's done with hard discs...

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

38. How about rightwing politically incorrect?

What would happen if some Dem candidates were to utter the following:



"The United States has a long history of aggression and ethnic cleansing."

"The American People are self-obssessed and ignorant of the rest of the world."

"I don't support the troops."

"It's just a flag."

"I support reparations for the descendents of slaves."

"Confederates were traitors."

"Socialism could work here."

"Bush is a war criminal."

"Capitalism doesn't work for most of the people."

"Ronald Reagan was a drooling idiot even before he got Alzheimers."

"The government of Israel practices apartheid."

"I'm an athiest and proud of it."

etc. etc.

There's plenty of PC around. Much of it just as absurd as the "master/slave" nonsense.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

42. well, let's see...

"The United States has a long history of aggression and ethnic cleansing."

That statement would be fairly true. No reason to be offended there.

"The American People are self-obssessed and ignorant of the rest of the world."

As a whole, I don't think anyone could agree with you more.

"Confederates were traitors."

Related to some here...my great-grandfather was the son of a gentleman who fought on the confederate side here. If anyone should be offended by that statement, I should!

Bandera, you are so right on this! Why are so many people so offended by so little? Political Correctness, rather, the desire to offend no-one is rampant from both sides...

TheProdigal

[sangh0]

52. Clueless

That statement would be fairly true. No reason to be offended there.

So do you really think no one will be offended? If people will be offended, wouldn't that be PC of them? Would they be conservatives or liberals.

Funny how you post about how other people get upset over liberal PC, but when someone posts conservative PC, all you want to talk about is how YOU'RE not offended.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

67. i don't understand

I think people getting offended at the use of words in their correct context is ridiculous. People wasting time one trying to get the words 'master' and 'slave' dropped from computer/technical terminology is a huge waste of time considering what we are facing with the government today...you have some sort of problem with that which I do not understand.

Would some people be offended...the answer is yes. But there is no reason...

TheProdigal

[economic justice]

75. I agree 100% Read the story in my post below. (#72) <eom>

[sangh0]

81. Of course not

I think people getting offended at the use of words in their correct context is ridiculous.

Yet, when someone points out how conservatives also get offended at the use of words in their correct context, you have no comment on the silliness of conservatives.

you have some sort of problem with that which I do not understand.

The problem is your inconsistency. You seem to think it's ridiculous only when liberals do it. When conservatives do it, you clam up.

Would some people be offended...the answer is yes. But there is no reason...

And there you go again. When it comes to "master" and "slave", you can't seem to shut up. When it comes to conservative PC, all we get is "but there is no reason...."

[ProdigalJunkMail]

88. i think we have miscommunicated

my intent was was to indicate that no one should be offended at this use of language. Where did I say it was ridiculous only for liberals? I think if you would go back and look over my post (related to the right-wing PC) that right-wingers shoud NOT be offended at that type of speech any more than some who is liberal should. You want to be bitter and combative, that is fine, but you are totally missing the point of my post...liberal/conservative is NOT the point here...

TheProdigal

[Some Moran]

39. My friend Tasha is native and she just described this PC crap perfectly...

"Dude, I don't even know what to call myself" was her response to the story.

[frank frankly]

44. maybe not knowing is a good place to be

perhaps she should not know. maybe it is an important thing to think about.

[Blue_Chill]

54. I'm sure a PC junky will fill her in

as they are never satisfied with simpley telling you what not to say or think, but also what you should say and think.

BTW - if you get insulted by computer parts that accurately describe their functions, you need medication.

have a day.

[bobbyboucher]

62. Of course you land on the anti-PC side,

look at that lovely mascot logo on your posts. Gotta love those Redskins.

Some things are just plain offensive.

[Blue_Chill]

64. I support changing the team name

And when they do I'll change my little logo that angers you so. Until then....

[bobbyboucher]

73. It doesn't anger me so, I just think it is rude.

Glad you would support a change. I think that day would be really, really healing and really, really momentus.

[Blue_Chill]

96. I don't think it was considered rude at the time but things change

Besides it's a god awful name. I think they should change the name to something that would honor the people the have offended. Maybe do a have a little tribute to native americans built into the stadium for vistors to look at.

You see I don't think it wrong to stop insulting people, I just think it's important to not go overboard with it. :D

[karabekian]

68. it has

political correctness has already gone too far. Its stupid I have often thought about PC speak being like newspeak in 1984. We should get over our oversensitivities and start solving real problems. Figuring out how to talk so that no one is possibly offended is not a real problem.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

70. PC IS newsspeak. It's newspeak for those who KNOW they are being offensive

and wish to continue to be. Let's just agree on one point. If people have the first amendment right to be as offensive as they wish..I have the first amendment right to call them on it.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

71. where does it stop?

where does this obsession with not offending anyone stop? The words that were pointed out here had nothing to do with the race of the person who brought the initial complaint. Do we truly purge the word from the language because it offends some? Am I no longer allowed to be a 'slave to my passions' becuase it offends someone that I use the term?

Smoochers!
TheProdigal

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

74. Question....

Aren't offense and reaction to offense two sides of the exact same coin?

It doesn't stop. Why doesn't it stop? Because thinking, being and expression don't have a beginning a middle and an end..they just are...

[ProdigalJunkMail]

77. i can see that :-)

well, I could see it better if I have a coin...anywho...

I just think it is laughable that people spend so much time on something that, in the end, matters so little. My reaction is not so much to the offense but the lengths to which some people are tying to go to prevent anyone from being offended! Hey, you wanna be offended? Go for it...I am offended all the time. My particular weakness is fat jokes...but you know what, some of them are funny and they do not hurt me any more than I allow them to hurt. Do I want to outlaw fat jokes? No. No more than I want to outlaw jokes about the south, Alabamians, rednecks, people who drive pick-ups, the priest, the rabbi and the whore in that bar...you get my point.

Almost supper time...my wife is cooking up something lovely...I can smell it!!! Of course, I have windows to attend to before the company (in-laws) arrive...

TheProdigal

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

80. I'm interested in the subject less for the opportunity to placate people's

penchant for being offended than to UP THE ANTE where we consider HOW we relate to terms.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

91. that works...

by the way, I like the alliteration...placate people's penchant...cool! Consideration is not the problem...we got tons of that around here!

TheProdigal

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

92. Happy Thanksgiving

One thing I appreciate about you is that we can be on different sides of an issue and come to a meeting of the minds where both of our perspectives connect.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

97. damn right!

Happy Thanksgiving to you too (talk about politically incorrect)! My wife and I are in the process of getting ready for company to arrive and cooking up a storm...of course she keeps giving me these evil looks when I come in here to keep up with my thread!

Much love and fine eats to ya!
TheProdigal

[wuushew]

83. Excellent point

In fact I challange anyone to find forms of humor that do not offend someone or something. From toliet humor all the way to high satire all forms of humor involve ridicule. The differnce between the left and right is that the right emphasizes derogetory bigotry as humor and the left usually raises people scorn for hyprocrasy. A world without humor would just a world of people exhibiting liberal guilt.

[economic justice]

72. Just plain crazy!

I saw this story this morning and had a laughing fit. I thought it was a joke. This afternoon, a couple of co-workers come back from lunch and it was the topic of conversation between tables at the restaurant....of course everyone thought it was nuts. Apparently, a waitress came over and was saying that they needed to talk to the cook about it because he was talking about how crazy it was. He came out to the tables laughing and said upfront that he was jewish. He said that with this stupidity that he should file a discrimination suit for working in the kitchen around things labeled "oven"......everybody laughed. He was laughing as well and said that goes to show just how silly it is and how far you could take something like this. These words have existed long before anything that could possibly offend someone unless they are LOOKING for things to be offended about. I have to say that I agree. It's like we all need a personal linguist consultant to keep us free from "offensive" words. This all needs to stop. Talk about silly! By the way, I am black and work in an office of 5 blacks, a young latina lady and 2 whites. We ALL agree it's crazy. But what's sad is there are some here on DU that are quite serious about thinking this is all ok. That's just weird. And people wonder why the left is considered "loony" by some. Well, exhibit "A".....here it is.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

76. It IS LESS about the race issue than it is about LANGUAGE ITSELF

If people had LOOKED at the language they AUTOMATICALLY adopted sans any critical thought in the matter over the past few years, we wouldn't have had terms such as "welfare queen" "productive members of society" and others go mainstream as though everyone KNEW what they are talking about.

While I don't really work in the tech field and am not affected by this particular use of language...since WHEN did FUCKING EMPATHY become an endangered species?


Some terms have different effects for some people. Pavlov's dog salivated when the bell rang...people do that too!

[wuushew]

78. I find your use of the word "Fucking" offensive

please turn yourself into the PC police

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

82. Have a point

IT makes it so much more interesting for the reader.

[Character Assassin]

100. Steve? Steve Martin? Is that you?

Hey, do 'Foggy Mountain'.

[economic justice]

79. Well.....

Pavlov's dogs were reacting to something they were trained to do. If we continue to train people to look for reasons to be victims of offensive behavior, well yes, they'll be offended. As somebody correctly asked above, "Where does it stop?" The story my co-workers had from lunch is a perfect example. Just because somebody "feels" offended does not mean we JUMP. To even be talking about this is almost surreal.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

84. OK EJ

I don't argue that point so much because I am less interested in the WHO GETS OFFENDED aspect than I am into the indoctrination of HOW PEOPLE RELATE to the world by the language we use. The same way you suggest we can train people to be offended..I charge that we can train people to be INSENSITIVE, HOSTILE and violent. It's all done through language.

Take your choice.


I find it funny that DU'ers will object to Rush and his rants and then chomp at the bit and adopt his language and tactics when it suits them...he is a perfect example of the language of hatred and violence infecting large swatches of the poulation. We can't get back to thoughtful dialogue on policy because every time we attempt to do so without Rush's linguistic contributions we are accused of being PC.

ask yourself who benefits from that.

[economic justice]

85. That is very true

Oh! No doubt!! It is true that people also are trained to be insensitive clods. I see it all the time. However, really it shows just how we can't legislate and regulate language to create some kind of Utopia that is hurt-free and nobody is ever subjected to "offensive" language. What is to one, is obviously not to the other (and vice versa :) )......

Back to work! Have a good day....

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

94. OK as long as we DO realize that asking people to refrain isn't

legislating nor regulating..it's making a request. Boycotting those who resist is taking an effective action...that was the issue with the South Carolina Confederate flag boycott. The message was "GO ahead and be as offensive as you wish. Just consider that there will be a cost to your obstinance"

[Cronus Protagonist]

95. That's retarded

Then again, I make a living insulting people, so it's appropriate that I would think that.

Click Here To Find NO MICHAEL JACKSON Buttons, Stickers & Magnets

[luckyluke]

103. I agree...

...let's ban those words from the lexicon.

Furthermore:

Let's rename LA. As a non-christian, I find the reference to angels offensive. Also I don't appreciate that Joe Sandoval's first name is biblically derived. I demand that he start calling himself Gautama from now on. Christians persecuted non-christians for many centuries and I demand an end to these insensitive references. Also, the word 'computer' is too Anglo for me. I will refer to them as 'ganit-yantras' from now on. And English is too English from me so I am going to stop speaking it. Aap log apni apni gaand marwaye...