NationStates Jolt Archive

Seriously dose it make any sense?

I belive we have come along in the world to day, sure there is pregudice outthere, there is always going to be some anoying crazy dilusional people outthere but come on! Political Correctness is completely idiotic and a waste of braincells, furthermore, some groups are so much more favored than others!
Take the recent repel of indian mascotts in the US, ok well look at that then look at another mascott, the fighting irish, well im irish and im not offended, so whats the difference?
Also i am a person of the caucasin-persuasion but do i make you call me caucasin noooooo if you call me white thats cool but if i call you black and not african american or mexican (or purto rican or cuban or w/e) and not latino im a bad person!
And i have a question, do people from other countrys notice this? dose anyone else? or is it just me in the USofA?

We just did this yesterday! :headbang:

So, because I feel like not seriously participating:
What wrong with personal computers? I’m using one right now and I don’t feel like I’m lacking brain cells or favoring somebody over the other. :p

The latest one I've heard is deffered success instead of fail. :rolleyes:

Some PC is ok but no things like Deffered success if you fail you fail do better next time!

Seriously dose it make any sense? Not in the states. There's no war between PC and non-PC in Germany. People get along fine because the majority agrees on what isn't acceptable and what is.

Not in the states. There's no war between PC and non-PC in Germany. People get along fine because the majority agrees on what isn't acceptable and what is.

see that is really weird to me becasue i mean its completely rediculous here and really it more seperates the groups, so i mean theres no pc stuff in germany? seriously?

Yes, heaven forbid people should take responsibility for what they say.

Most of the more ridiculous examples of PC-speech are actually invented as a mockery of PC and end up being passed off as supposed proof that the world is going crazy...

PC is alright in moderation.

Yes, heaven forbid people should take responsibility for what they say.

im not saying dont take responsibilty and political correctness dosnt remotly solve the problem, it just brings attention to the groups and makes up form even more and what you say isnt in your head, just becasue some one calls another person their "correct name" dosnt mean there still not prejedice

Seriously dose it make any sense?
And i have a question, do people from other countrys notice this? dose anyone else? or is it just me in the USofA?

oh no, its everywhere. We dont have "African-British" over here and "black" is just fine. or was last time i checked. i dont know anymore. what we do have in some places (ie job application to a council job) is a rainbow of subcatagories for each and every ethnic group. Asian-Indian, Asian-Pakistani, Afro-carribean, African-Western, Cantonese, Vietnamese, even European-Irish, European-eastern. An this after youve already been asked your nationality

im not saying dont take responsibilty and political correctness dosnt remotly solve the problem, it just brings attention to the groups and makes up form even more and what you say isnt in your head, just becasue some one calls another person their "correct name" dosnt mean there still not prejedice

But it does seem to be the main reason a lot of people are against pc; because they can't say what they want.

oh no, its everywhere. We dont have "African-British" over here and "black" is just fine. or was last time i checked. i dont know anymore. what we do have in some places (ie job application to a council job) is a rainbow of subcatagories for each and every ethnic group. Asian-Indian, Asian-Pakistani, Afro-carribean, African-Western, Cantonese, Vietnamese, even European-Irish, European-eastern. An this after youve already been asked your nationality

see and then if you call someone something incorrect they get so damm mad like if you call a bulgarian person romanian accidentaly or something, i mean obviously there is a large difference but at least you were close, its not like you called them an a white miget, you dont mean to be derogitory but i cant call everyone there exscat correct name all the time

But it does seem to be the main reason a lot of people are against pc; because they can't say what they want.

well thats my reason, are you judgeing me? thats not very pc of you :p

But it does seem to be the main reason a lot of people are against pc; because they can't say what they want.
I have issues with language wandering because of it

It is about civility … it shouldn’t matter (within reason) as long as we are civil and treat people with a minimum of respect


Take for example handy capped

People suffering from a handicap were first referred to as handicapped then special then mentally (or physically) challenged then specially abele then handicap able

I know it is hard but with each of the terms as we switch people just turn the “new” phrase for it into a slur. It is the condition that is seen as an insult (like gay) when thrown at other people not the current phrase for it

If that makes any sense … it is about civility … those using the current term for handicapped as a slur lack civility, that’s what we need to change instead of just switching up terms because we are no longer comfortable using them (then looking down on the ones that do even though they are being civil)

So, who else thought this thread was going to be about people using computers too much?

I hate Political Correctness. It isn't of any service to anyone. Take for instance what we are suppose to call someone that is of African ethnicity. It used to be 'coloured' but then it got changed to 'black' as we are all 'coloured' to some degree. Only I got told off the other day by someone I don't even know for using the word 'black' to refer to my friend of African descent.

In the end it doesn't matter what word I use (within reason) as long as I don't have any derogative connotations attached.
It's tha same for word's used to refer to homosexuals aswell, only most people of the gay community use words meant as slurs themselves to reverse the possibility of causing insult. Just as African-americans did with the word 'black' with many thanks to James brown.

I think in the end if you refer to the current phase of political correctness for your opinions then you are missing the point.

It only tackles the superficial manifestation of prejudice, instead of the root cause.
If people have a negative, ignorant view upon someone else then they will make-up stupid words and phrases to spite them. You may be able to change the words they use but if your society is set up so that ignorance and negativity is easily bred into your citizens then derogatory terms will arise.

Political Correctness only masks the fact that things aren't progressing any further because the superficial manifesttation is the only way we can really judge what negative opinions people have. Each time we re-issuue a new group of words for people to use we mask who has the negative misconceptions about other people.

It basically sweeps things under the carpet so that no-one sees the ugliness that is apparent should you spend any decent amount of time observing.

So, who else thought this thread was going to be about people using computers too much?
I did ... got my geeky side all excited

I doesnt matter if u think its silly the point is that u offend someone when u dont u use terms considered derogetory and its not as if its a big deal to remember that not all people from the middle east are arads and that not alll those with golden skin are mexican and not all those with black come from then same country in africa, granted it goes abit far sometimes, but if someone calls me british without enquring of i am english irish welsh or scots i get annoyed cos it make a difference to me

I know it is hard but with each of the terms as we switch people just turn the “new” phrase for it into a slur. It is the condition that is seen as an insult (like gay) when thrown at other people not the current phrase for it


exsactly there are so many more prejedice words becasue of this for instance, gay, jew, jap, and other not so plesant things that shouldnt even be insults there so lame

Look, people, this is really simple ...

If you want to call black people "niggers", then just do it. There's no law against it. There is public policy, though. For instance, you can't use that word (except in the context I just used it) on these forums without swift reprisal from the mods.

That's not law, though, it's Terms of Service.

I've said this on other threads, I'll say it on this one:

The day you get arrested or have your voting rights taken away because you call someone "******" in public, then we'll talk. Until then, quit your fuckin' whining and learn some common courtesy.

So, who else thought this thread was going to be about people using computers too much?
I did, but only to be uncooperative. :p

I doesnt matter if u think its silly the point is that u offend someone when u dont u use terms considered derogetory and its not as if its a big deal to remember that not all people from the middle east are arads and that not alll those with golden skin are mexican and not all those with black come from then same country in africa, granted it goes abit far sometimes, but if someone calls me british without enquring of i am english irish welsh or scots i get annoyed cos it make a difference to me
Then you should grow thicker skin because some people are just hard to tell by first glance their decent

As long as someone is not doing it to be mean it should not matter that someone makes a mistake and calls you English instead of Irish specially if they do not know any better

Look, people, this is really simple ...

If you want to call black people "niggers", then just do it. There's no law against it. There is public policy, though. For instance, you can't use that word (except in the context I just used it) on these forums without swift reprisal from the mods.

That's not law, though, it's Terms of Service.

I've said this on other threads, I'll say it on this one:

The day you get arrested or have your voting rights taken away because you call someone "******" in public, then we'll talk. Until then, quit your fuckin' whining and learn some common courtesy.

and what you just did is...not whining?

and what you just did is...not whining?

Nope ... it's called "correcting your misguided error".

PC is a choice, not law. Get that through your head.

Nope ... it's called "correcting your misguided error".

PC is a choice, not law. Get that through your head.
That’s all good and find but that does not remove the effect it can have and social mores can be as constructive or destructive as laws themselves

What is wrong about an honest discussion about how these mores effect our lives and what we can do to change them if they are found to be non constructive?

Calling someone a known derogartry word is obviously wrong. But some people take it too far with words people get offended by.
Examples from the UK

1. Baa Baa Black Sheep has recieved complaints! (the origions of the rhyme refer to very old tax laws on black wool but thats beside the point...)
2. A politician (i think) had to resign for using the word niggardly (which although it sounds like a very different word it means tight with cash or stingey)
3. Another politician had to resign or almost had to resign for mis-prouncing the word "Shi-ite" into "Shitty"
4. "Rule of Thumb" has recieved complaints as it apparently origionates from a rule on beating wives.

There are vast numbers of terms in everyday speech are banned within local councils (amoung government empolyees) and government orginizations because of obscure reasons why someone somewhre might be offended by it.

Nope ... it's called "correcting your misguided error".

PC is a choice, not law. Get that through your head.

and i wouldnt use the word ****** ok im saying less offensive stuff like black or makign a simple mistake of nationality or useng handicapped instead of whatever the new word is today so why dont you back off, if i brought up 10 different white people and asked you what there were, judging by there, skin tone, physical characteristics, belifs and voice would you give me there exscat or tell me they were all white? what would you do? WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

if someone calls me british without enquring of i am english irish welsh or scots i get annoyed cos it make a difference to me

firstly most irish would be pretty miffed if you called them British. Secondly, this demonstrates the benefits of grouping people: you dont have to find out. In most situations it just isnt necessary to know if your scottish or welsh. Only few chipped shoulder types would care, after all English, Scottish and Welsh *are* all British too. And it avoids the more embarassing scenario of calling a Scotsman Welsh.

what? no computer games! :headbang: oh, political correctness. right.

Oh, please. No-one's forcing anyone to be "PC". If you don't like it, then don't be "PC". Just be prepared to accept whatever consequences come as a result of your choice.

see that is really weird to me becasue i mean its completely rediculous here and really it more seperates the groups, so i mean theres no pc stuff in germany? seriously?There's no disagreement on it. It is politically incorrect here to make comments that could be considered offensive to others for racial reasons, but unlike in the states, we don't really have many people over-doing it or resisting it tooth and nail.

We just did this yesterday! :headbang:

So, because I feel like not seriously participating:
What wrong with personal computers? I’m using one right now and I don’t feel like I’m lacking brain cells or favoring somebody over the other. :p
you fool PC stands for police constable! Too many people are being police constables!

oh no, its everywhere. We dont have "African-British" over here and "black" is just fine.
I've never once said "African-American" and I've never known anyone to be offended. Of all the black people that I've known, most of whom lately have been highly educated professionals, not one of them referred to themselves as African-American.

and i wouldnt use the word ****** ok im saying less offensive stuff

But that's just it, isn't it? You don't know what's offensive. Some folks may not be offended by being called black, others may be. So we've tried to come up with a system, and to apply that system to things in the general public but not to the individual.

To offend the least amount of people, we ask that newscasters, politicians, and public servants use terms like African American, Latino or Hispanic, etc. Such things become public policy and that's fine. Some people are going to be offended anyway, but the ideal is to publicly offend the fewest people when broadcasting to a large audience.

I realise most black people are probably not offended by the term "black people", but enough are offended that it creates a requirement in public venues. Even if it's only one who is offended, it is essential to protect that one. People say you don't have a right not to be offended, but in reality, you do have that right if you're in the minority. This country was designed to protect the minority from the majority and I'm not about to change that in any way.

Also i am a person of the caucasin-persuasion but do i make you call me caucasin noooooo if you call me white thats cool but if i call you black and not african american or mexican (or purto rican or cuban or w/e) and not latino im a bad person!

Someone got mad at you for calling them black? Who?

I for one agree that this PC bullshit is a bit much. The problem seems to stem with the changes in the first place! As phrases and words that in the past were truly offensive (read. ******) began finding themselves Un-PC, people began having their skin thin up and have now become offended by being called "Black", "Handicapped" and the like, when really, at one point these words hurt no one.

A line has to be drawn, and should be drawn farther behind from where it is currently parked. African American? I've known a few black folks who were becoming offended in being called that for one reason or another and instead prefered the more common term, Black.

Myself, I'm Puerto Rican, and this has gone so far that frankly, I don't know what the hell I am anymore as far as this whole PC thing goes. Latino? Hispanic? Carribean? Years ago, I was content just being the hispanic kid. Sometimes, the latino. On few ocassions, just "that dude". Right now, I could be called a Spic *which I have in the past...* and probably just say, "Dear god, at least a term I know is meant to apply to me!" :p

But that's just it, isn't it? You don't know what's offensive. Some folks may not be offended by being called black, others may be. So we've tried to come up with a system, and to apply that system to things in the general public but not to the individual.

To offend the least amount of people, we ask that newscasters, politicians, and public servants use terms like African American, Latino or Hispanic, etc. Such things become public policy and that's fine. Some people are going to be offended anyway, but the ideal is to publicly offend the fewest people when broadcasting to a large audience.

I realise most black people are probably not offended by the term "black people", but enough are offended that it creates a requirement in public venues. Even if it's only one who is offended, it is essential to protect that one. People say you don't have a right not to be offended, but in reality, you do have that right if you're in the minority. This country was designed to protect the minority from the majority and I'm not about to change that in any way.

That’s all good and fine but sometimes this name game moves beyond simple attempts to not offend to language wandering for no peticular reason

There will always be people without civility that apply the new term in an uncivil way in some derogatory fassion (look at what happened to “special”) what we should be concentrating on is in the “grey” areas (there are certain terms that are way out there I understand that and there just is no way to use them without being derogatory … ) to rely on what peoples intent is rather then the words

I am sure I can use African American in about as derogatory of was as “black” but what we should be working on is making sure people use both in a nice way rather then nitpicking word choice


(Sorry been a long night no sleep so I am sure I am rambling and or not making much sense lol)

I for one agree that this PC bullshit is a bit much. The problem seems to stem with the changes in the first place! As phrases and words that in the past were truly offensive (read. ******) began finding themselves Un-PC, people began having their skin thin up and have now become offended by being called "Black", "Handicapped" and the like, when really, at one point these words hurt no one.

A line has to be drawn, and should be drawn farther behind from where it is currently parked. African American? I've known a few black folks who were becoming offended in being called that for one reason or another and instead prefered the more common term, Black.

Myself, I'm Puerto Rican, and this has gone so far that frankly, I don't know what the hell I am anymore as far as this whole PC thing goes. Latino? Hispanic? Carribean? Years ago, I was content just being the hispanic kid. Sometimes, the latino. On few ocassions, just "that dude". Right now, I could be called a Spic *which I have in the past...* and probably just say, "Dear god, at least a term I know is meant to apply to me!" :p

I think PC is indicative of a more significant phenomenon: mainly that Americans just like to make up new names for things. And being politically correct is as good an excuse as any. The latest term for [fill in blank] becomes the latest fad, and there really is no better reason to use that particular descriptor than that it just happens to be in fashion. Kind of like how fishtank platform shoes used to be the shit but now someone wouldn't be caught dead in them.



One important exception in my book though: the term "biracial" is something people accuse of being PC, but really if someone's half one race and half another what else are they to call themselves?

I think PC is indicative of a more significant phenomenon: mainly that Americans just like to make up new names for things. And being politically correct is as good an excuse as any. The latest term for [fill in blank] becomes the latest fad, and there really is no better reason to use that particular descriptor than that it just happens to be in fashion. Kind of like how fishtank platform shoes used to be the shit but now someone wouldn't be caught dead in them.



One important exception in my book though: the term "biracial" is something people accuse of being PC, but really if someone's half one race and half another what else are they to call themselves? Well if they live in the US, an American?

I would find African American to be more offencive then black it suggests that they aren't just American. Where as black is their colour, I'm white. But I do see how black can be bad it depends on the tone but so does anything you call anyone!