Question for Minorities and Women

[SemiCharmedQuark]

What do you think of this "non PC for the sake of non PC" stuff? I can't help but find it offensive. I know I should lighten up but geez, how can I when some usually white male comedian is making light of the situation? It is very easy for white males to joke about how "crazy" Political correctness has become when they have not been on the receiving side of the discrimination Political correctness was formed to avoid.

Im both a woman and a minority and I can't stand this new breed of comic who lives on PC. How about you?

[Mandate My Ass]

1. Most of my favorite comedians are non PC

Nick DiPaolo is a white male and about as non PC as they come. However, his humor is not much different than Margaret Cho and Dave Chapelle whom I also love. They are unapologetically non PC and I have no problem with that.

There is a difference though between non PC and mean. If someone complains about how crazy PC has become, I know they're about to spew something hateful and not at all funny.

[LisaLynne]

2. As you said ...

people who have never felt discrimination or harrassment might find attempts to make society more accepting silly. They haven't experienced the problem, so to them, it can be a big joke. The fact of the matter is, it is much easier to go through life not worrying about offending others, or how your words might affect them. I think in some instances, it simply comes down to laziness. They don't want to have to worry about if a particular phrase is demeaning or considered rude. That's too much thinking.

To me, the whole idea of PC was to try to understand others who were no like us and respect them. It was starting to use less offensive language and to really think about where some of these phrases came from and the ideas, attitudes, and assumptions behind them. I don't see how that's a bad thing. It takes time and reflection, but I think we could all stand to spend a little time reflecting on our attitudes and beliefs, especially those so ingrained we might not even realize they exist.

So, I guess to sum up, I hope those who think it's all a joke realize what a luxury they have. There are those of us who can't see it that way.

[smirkymonkey]

3. There's non-PC and then their is just hateful rhetoric disguised

as "non-PC", intended as a backlash toward the progress of women and minorites in society. There is a very fine line.

[calico1]

4. I agree with you.

I am also a woman and a minority. While I agree that sometimes PC gets carried away what I see more and more is total lack of consideration and respect toward minorities. I think there is a backlash. Non minorties resent being told they need to be PC so they are going to the other extreme or at least it seems that way. Not saying all of them. But some are that way and the worst thing of all is they don't get what the big deal is. An example...some years ago shortly before the 1992 elections some of us at work were discussing the elections. One white guy breaks in after a comment I made and told me "shut up. You have no right to say anything. You are a foreigner." Then he laughed. He thought it was hysterical. I was offended. I was born in NYC. My parents are from Puerto Rico but even if I had been born there I'd still be a U.S. citizen. Other times this same guy would ask me if I had to get my green card renewed. (Puerto Ricans, born there or not have never used green cards). Again, this was joking but I never found it funny. Minority people are often expected to be good sports when made the butt of jokes like this. I guess you have to be a minority to get it or a very enlightened white person to understand that it can hurt or offend. Most of my white friends are this way, but I have to say a few of them still make comments that I find a little insensitive but they just don't get that what they say is offensive to anyone, or as you say, think people should just "lighten up."

[DrWeird]

5. Generally...

I believe that "Political Correctness" was coined and was started by Republicans who realized they were getting in trouble for denigrating minorities.

And the anti-PC people are all upset because now it considered rude to denigrate minorities.

At least as a general rule.

[nofurylike]

6. it is for you to say what demeans you.

maybe try to re-educate those who do - overly generous, but kind and peacemaking.

or walk away.

but others can not define what is offensive and unjust to you.

it is a learning process for all of us, all the time, really.

i think what matters most is that we CARE enough.



peace!

[Branjor]

7. I think you are right....

When the shoe is on the other foot, white males are not such "good sports". I have been uncomfortable with the "non PC for the sake of non PC" too. I usually just suffer through it, but I don't enjoy it. Sometimes I say something back and I nearly got kicked out of school once for doing so - something about being "discourteous to a fellow student" - I could hardly believe it!

That guy with his remarks about Puerto Ricans is a real a**hole. I am a white woman who grew up in NYC.