Dear Person who is easily offended by other people's thoughts and or words,
First, let me say, we live in a free country. There are very few types of speech not protected in our country today - although it does seem that list is getting longer every day. Obscenities, terroristic threats, and libel/slander are not protected by our country's laws. So, I know your issue with speech deemed offensive or un-pc can't be a legal one.
Second, just because something is legal, doesn't mean it is always fair or nice. And, I think this is where you most likely have the issue. For, someone to use speech you find offensive isn't fair or nice. At least that's how you see it. You are applying your value system to other people's speech. I think if you really think about that for a second, you will realize that isn't fair.
Let me mention a few examples -
Nigger or Nigga. I personally would never use this word. I think that this word carries with it the weight of years of injustice and hatred towards a whole race of people simply because of the color of their skin. But, I know black people that use this term casually towards one another. I also know people who believe that their social situation or upbringing "gives them the right" to use this word. I personally disagree with pretty much any use of this word, unless objectively discussing the word or quoting the use of the word. Who am I to be offended? Who am I to tell others what they can and can't say? I can express my point of view and I can ask them not to use that word around me. That hinges on personal respect, not politically correct behavior. If they choose to comply, it will be a matter of personal respect.
Retard. This one doesn't make sense to me. It is almost as if people are trying to be offended. Retard has a handful of definitions in the dictionary - the gist of which meant slow to develop, delayed progress, or hinder/impede. Until, the dictionary maker's incorporated modern use into their books. A group of well meaning people needed a word for people who were developmentally disabled, developmentally challenged, or had some sort of issue with their growth mentally. Retard was the first word trotted out and for many Americans it stuck. Since then, other words have been used - special, challenged, disabled, etc. Some make sense, others try to be nice, but all acknowledge the fact that they are addressing a person with some sort of developmental issue. To me, we as a society should try and understand these developmental issues better. Instead of lumping everyone who hasn't fully developed mentally, socially, or however into some big group labeled RETARD (which I find offensive) we should treat everyone with respect enough to understand what their issue is - whether that's Autism, Down's Syndrome, etc. This isn't just a respect issue, it is also a practical issue. The way you treat a child with severe autism is different than the way you treat a child with down's syndrome. School's often use the term special needs - this is practical for their use without patronizing the person's condition. Perhaps, "special needs" should be a more accepted term. Retard or retarded when applied to someone in society can be offensive - but not because our modern society has adopted this word as a synonym for those with developmental issues. The word's definition dictates it's use. And anyone who has been paying attention over the past four years would have to agree that our whole country has been retarded, by a president who is truly a retardant to growth and prosperity. One might even surmise that he alone is the retard to our growth as a country.
Gay or Queer. Once again, a group of people have co-oped a word to label their situation. Homosexual wasn't apparently enough, we needed a less offensive word. Homosexual makes people think of unnatural sex acts, where 'gay' makes us think of pastels, bunnies, and smiles. Gay by original definition means ridiculously happy. The fact that I can call someone 'gay' today and the majority of people assume I mean homosexual speaks to the power of political correctness.
Political Correctness is social laziness. It labels and lumps people into groups, it censors our speech without respect or understanding, and it disengages our intellect and heart while feigning enlightenment and compassion.
So, the next time you decide to be offended and want to wave the PC flag - make sure you understand where the other person is coming from. There is enough real hatred and intolerance out there in the world to fight, why do we need to make up more reasons?
Well, Obama has finally chosen a side in the great Gay Marriage debate. And as usual, I have something to say about it. And as usual, my perspective is... different.
First, let's deal with the social justice side of this issue. The fair reasonable response to homosexuality. If a heterosexual couple can receive health insurance benefits, visit each other in the hospital, etc. then a homosexual couple should be able to receive the same "rights". Equal rights for all. Whether you are gay, straight - if you have made a life long commitment to another person then it only seems fair that those relationships have the same benefits from a secular government.
Second, the government side of this. Since when does government dictate the terms of marriage? Marriage was originally a religious and cultural institution that government decided to recognize. RECOGNIZE. Too often we give government control. In this case, the majority of people now believe that government somehow regulates marriage - a religious institution. Separation of church and state people! Now, the government in it's secular non-religious affiliation can recognize and regulate a civil union. That would be two people who have decided to share their lives and desire all the benefits that the law allows for such arrangements. The marriage part of a civil union comes from a church institution - typically.
Third, the religious side of this debate. Look, either you believe the Bible or you don't. Either it's true or it's not. The message of the Gospel is such that it leaves the recipient two choices. Either believe or don't. For those who believe it is a relationship in which you come to God trusting Him in faith to be real and to be and do what His Word (the Bible) says. By the same token, it means following the message of scripture and allowing yourself to be transformed into the new creation God wants you to be. Giving God all of you, so He can give you all of Himself.
The Bible is clear that there are 'sins' - things that God doesn't like. Why they are sins doesn't really matter, because if you are in a relationship with God you believe the Bible and you are living what He says. So, no matter what the culture around you says or does, God has instituted a new culture in you. Homosexuality is listed as a 'sin' in the Bible. But, before you pull out the ol' judgement whipping stick, here are a couple more sins - lying, stealing, adultery, murder, disobedience, etc. etc. In fact, the Bible puts it this way - "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." But, "for those that are in Christ are a new creation. The old has passed away and all things are made new." So, there is a redemption (a one time change in our core being), and a sanctification (an ongoing series of decisions that bring change in our nature.) Once again, this applies to those who believe the Gospel (i.e. Christians).
The standard of the Bible applies to Christians. For non-Christians the question is are you going to believe the Gospel or not? Beyond that, everything the Bible says is irrelevant for the non-Christian. There are cultural standards that we have setup to guide human behavior and allow us all to get along, but that isn't about God and His standard. His standard begins with a relationship with Him through His son Jesus. Until you have that, what the Bible says about things probably doesn't really matter to you as someone who doesn't believe the Bible. For Christians, we need to realize we don't live in a theocracy. Our beliefs about the Bible are simply "our opinions" to non-Christians. And the only way anyone is going to decide to believe and start a relationship with God is if we show them what it means to be a follower of Christ. That means love not judgement. But, that also means remaining true to our convictions and not giving in to the pressures of popular culture. Stand your ground in love. Accept the sinner but not the sin. But, realize that trying not to sin isn't the answer we hold, but a real relationship with a Loving God who wants the very best for us is.
To sum up:
Gay community - I support your desire to have equal rights under the law, but that doesn't mean you get to force acceptance of your lifestyle on everyone else. That means quit trying to get the government to legislate religious issues. Get your civil union and go get married at a church that accepts your lifestyle. And for those that don't accept your lifestyle, understand that they have a right to have their own opinion. Live and let live!
Christians - we don't live in a theocracy. Civil Unions are fair and within the scope of our government's responsibilities. God has called you to love not judge. You are supposed to be SALT and LIGHT. Focus on bringing people to Jesus and let Him and the Holy Spirit do the changing. Have compassion but don't trade the Word of God for a lie. Homosexuality is a sin, and so are a lot of other things. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Government leaders (that means you Obama) - quit trying to control everything. We support equal rights, but marriage is a religious institution. Stay out of religious matters. Civil Unions are fair and don't step on religious beliefs. Give the people you serve solutions that unite and don't divide.
For everyone else - we live in a free country! Let's remember that in our discussions and debates. Each person is entitled to their opinion. Try and see the big picture. Life is too short to argue!
Let me just say to begin with - I have more respect for the media than most. I have worked at a major network television station in a second tier market, and I worked my way through college attaining a Bachelor's in Communications (Media Emphasis) at a number one radio station in the same market, and I've written news stories that were published in well established newspapers. I respect media. It is hard work. I'm not talking TMZ, but real news. Yahoo! News is usually just an aggregate of many different respectable sources, and tends to be a bit on the celebrity gossip fluff side - but what do you expect - they're a internet portal for crying out loud. So, I tend to cut them a lot of slack.
BUT, today I saw this on Yahoo's rotation of top news stories -
Well Paying Jobs in High Demand.
REALLY? With the national unemployment rate still hovering somewhere between 8 and 10% (depending on who you believe) - it's highest level in decades, and these geniuses decide to title their article the way they did. This just in... the sky is blue! I am certain that Yahoo will follow up this earth shaking bit of news with other equally obvious facts. I mean, are they trying to be the Onion? Or? I'm really perplexed on this one. Email me your thoughts.