What is politically correct anyway? I do not consider myself racist, sexist, homophobic, or intolerant. However, I learned long ago that some peoples skin is so thin on certain subjects that problems can arise from the most innocuous things that a person might say.
When I was 10 years old and in the fifth grade, a person on the playground asked me who had been on my kickball team. I went through the list of players and when the name J.R. came up, the person asked which one, and I replied the black one. You see, in my class there were to J.R.'s and they both had the same first and last name. One was white and the other was black since that was the easiest difference to visually spot, it was the difference that I noted; Being 10, I did not grasp all the different words for race and the divisiveness that they can create.
The spoken word can travel on an elementary school's playground at an astounding speed and quickly J.R. made his way across the playground to confront me on what I had said. I was a pipsqueak in elementary school, not reaching any height at all until the year I turned 16 when I shot up 7 inches in one summer. J.R. was close to two years older than I and was one of those kids that mature early so he stood nearly a foot taller than me. When he asked me if I had called him black, I simply replied that I had. He then swung and clocked me one in the face. I crumpled to the ground, but shot back up and waded in with all the rage and fury that a 10 year old frame can hold. But my rage and fury were no match for J.R.'s physical advantage and my ass was whipped rather soundly although I never backed down or gave up until separated by the teachers overseeing the playground. I never had another problem with J.R., sometimes a person just has to stand up for themselves and let others know that although they may have the Power; Others may have the Will to not back down.
This lesson in political correctness at a young age taught me three very valuable lessons.
1) No matter what you say, if you speak your mind, someone will be upset by it.
2) Never back down from the truth.
3) Always be ready to pay the price for what you believe.
I am sorry that some are offended by things that I have said or will say in the future. I am sorry that they took it the wrong way. What I am not sorry for is the meaning behind the words and that is something I will not back down from.
*******
The most politically incorrect man on the 'sphere, my bro, Crazy Dan and the lovely, talented, and free-spirited Laurie are today's guest's over at BvB. Do yourself a favor and check it out. It is politically incorrect but no one is backing down.
***Update***
Click Here for some PC terms.
21 comments:
If we all tried not to offend everyone we ran into, we'd all have to turn into mutes. It'd be the only way.
I have always tried to use tact, but some people respond angrily/violently towards you no matter what.
Fuck em.
I'm still trying to figure out what J.R. was so angry about? That you said he was "black?" What would he have preferred to call you?
Sounds like he had a chip on his shoulder and was just looking to take it out on someone.
The term "African American" hadn't come into play until 1989 or 1990, so what the heck? I know so MANY people that say, "just call me black." One of them was my black professor of "African American literature" in college.
I couldn't agree more Fuzz.
If you say it or write it, live by it.
That's really the only way, yes?
Great post.
~michael
The problem with this world we live in is that too many people live with this PC shit day to day without ever revealing how they truly feel about anything.
I'd rather be hated for expressing my true opinions that liked for keeping them to myself.
jamie: You couldn't be more right.
ben: Thanks.
phoenix: I think that the preferred word at the time was colored. I think he was goaded into it. Peer pressure and the desire to keep face is very important at that age.
michael: Thanks, it is a departure from most of my blogging but one can not always direct the muse but simply must follow it.
april: I try to walk the thin line most of the time. But when I go overboard, I don't worry about it. It is just me and that is what blogging is all about.
There's just no way to keep everyone happy. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
In our country too many people are too quick to remember freedom of speech and at the same time forget that freedom does NOT come with a guarantee of a freedom from being offended.
I wish more people would realize the difference between using a word to mean what it means, and using a word to be hateful. It's good to know that you recognize the difference. It's one of the reasons I love reading your post. I know that my mom, sister, and I talk more comfortably with each other than with anyone else because we know what the other means without having to pc-explain it.
Colored? So, Fuzz...were you considered "non-colored?"
The whole thing is so absurd.
green eyes: And an elephants faithful 100 %. (Sorry bout that. I'm a Dr. Seuss fanatic.)
perplexio: Amen, brother.
tubawench: Sometimes it is hard to get a point across, if you are not known by a person and only judged by one read or listen. It is easier around family and friends who have a history to judge your comments.
phoenix: I agree completely. It is hard to keep up with the pc word of the day for any topic.
I offend people on a daily basis. There is always going to be someone out there in the crowd that is not going to like what you've said or done.
mimi: The whole thing is awkward.
sherri: Glad that I am not the only one.
I think it was said when the decoration Christmas tree was an offensive thing to say.
angel jr: It is rather is to offend isn't it.
gb: It does make it hard for the rest of us.
laurie: I am sure that he will be pleased that you said so.
As a person with a physical handicap, I have been subjected to both sides of the political correctness issue, more often the wrong side. But, here's my take on the subject: Fuck political correctness.
I can't wait until Perplexio writes about this.
bruce: Thanks, I appreciate that. There is a difference between doing the right thing and political correctness run amok. Good to know that so many know the difference.
cd: You and me both. When are you going to post that story about the home-kit anal bleaching experience?
I love this post Fuzzy! relates to the situation Im at the moment and my latest post...
**1) No matter what you say, if you speak your mind, someone will be upset by it.
2) Never back down from the truth.
3) Always be ready to pay the price for what you believe.
SPOT ON! I wont back down and na Im not sorry for the meaning behind my words either...u can take it in anyway u want and I will stick to mine.
The Black one...so what? Im brown and I hear so many remarks at work etc but I dun get offended...cos it's all in good spirits and in fun (and not in a racist manner). ppl who get offended by such trivial things need professional help.
Keshi.
keshi: Stick to your guns girl. Doors always open around here :)
ranea: LMAO, I knew sooner or later somebody would call me that. Leave it to you. Luv ya Mean it ;)
siren: I think that I am ready to get politically incorrect with you! See ya at your place, how bout next week?
Right on.
I love the list of PC terms, my favorite is the one for insane: "Selectively Perceptive."
-- david
I have been accused of that myself. Now that I have your e-mail. I have a link that you might get a kick out of. I will have to dig it up and send it to you.
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