Are People too Sensitive?

[Locke4God]

I was commenting in a Lost forum about the character of Ilana. I said that they tried to make her look and act sexy, when she's just an average looking woman.

Somebody called me sexist. But really?

If you read, all that was said was that my opinion is that she's an average looking woman (OK that's not sexist) and that they tried to make her appear more attractive than that. (OK that's not sexist either).

From the Merriam Webster Definition:
1 : prejudice or discrimination based on sex; especially : discrimination against women
2 : behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex

The key words are "based on sex". Sure she's a woman, but nothing I said there was based on her being a woman. It was based on how they were using the character.

And why may I ask does definition 1 have the addendum, "especially: deiscrimination against women"? I understand it definately happens far more against women, but I don't see how the defininition should preclude men. I was thinking about that today in regards to ads. Think about how many ads you see that make fun of how inept, or stupid, or dirty, or lazy some guy is while his wife or girlfriend is shown as this pristine angel of goodness.

I just find the comparrison amuzing. Stereotype guys all you want, but god help us all if I even nudge up against any sort of sexist comment related to a woman.

[Tiffany]

I don't think your comment was sexist at all. I *love* watching Lost, and I know what you mean about it seemed like they were gunning for her to be some sort of sex bomb but I didn't really find her all that attractive either.

I think it is because you commented on her appearance on being an 'average looking woman'. Now that I've re-read it I can kinda understand why someone would think that, but that doesn't mean I agree with it. I'm of the same mentality, there is quite a bit of stereotyping against men but with women it is taboo.

I would imagine it has something to do with how there is quite a bit of perceived pressure on women to be a bombshell. To be called average is quite the insult. I think it all boils down to self esteem and how you rate your self image. IMO, whomever said it was sexist probably has a low opinion of themselves.

[GypsyElder]

Everyone is different : everyone thinks differently, hence everyone reacts differently to cretin things depending on experiences. I didn't even finnish reading your post. Was it not you who already claimed that females were more sensitive in another topic? if it was a woman who responded, you should expect this.

Who cares what they said, it's the internet. If you're not sexist then don't worry about it. it was probably someone who tried to piss you off on purpose anyway.

People are sensitive.

[Locke4God]

@ Gypsy - Good point. I think I was musing on whether or not they knew what it actually meant to be sexist, or racist or anything else. IE calling a asian dude an asian dude isn't racist. Telling him to go back to China is. But some people don't understand the nuance.

[Che]

They were definitely just offended that you pointed out that she was "average looking". You don't really need to come out and say that, because people are too sensitive to deal with it. They'd rather not mention it ever.

I'm not saying what you did was wrong, because it wasn't. You just have to realize if you're gonna go on a Lost forum, those people obviously love Lost and will be offended by anything negative. It's like coming here and saying Final Fantasy sucks.

[Maridia]

To answer the question yes. Everyone is sensitive in one aspect or another. Some people you have one or two things that can make them go off others saying **** the rainforest and anyone who lives near them will start WW3 in their head.

Just as your comment offended someone, it obviously offended you that they even got upset. It shows how yeah people are sensitive. And it's not always bad, people are different and that's life. Though you have to be practical. Kinda like in that movie Bedazzled when he plays the little bitch, there's being sensitive and then there's being a baby.

[Violet]

People are way too sensitive and bent on being politically correct. It's so irritating. They need to toughen the hell up! I'll be glad to assist them! *cracks knuckles*

(Also, speaking of other "average looking women" in Lost, I can't stand Juliet Burke. Her character is too cold. If you've watched the new V series yet, that actress plays the main char. in that too.. and she still has that 'coldness' to her. Perhaps her acting just isn't that well. )

[Tiffany]

I've lost track of what is PC and what isn't. It changes too often for me to keep up!

(BTW, I agree about Juliet's character. Could've been better cast IMO)

[Pete]

I just don't care.

If you get offended, tough. I just speak what's on my mind. If you call me out on it, that's fine; if I was way over the line, then maybe I'll apologize, but chances are I won't. We're all entitled to our opinions, and people have the right to say whatever, just as others have the right to be offended or agree.

[Alpha]

2 : behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex.

By this definition, it's entirely possible that you were being implicitly 'sexist'. You said she was "average looking" and that she was made to look "more attractive". Try and define those two terms. The media does it everyday, and women are lambasted for it by males all the time. As a male, I constantly see it. Why is it that men expect women to look and behave in certain ways? Why is there some sort of informal protocol that states that women should wear tiny skirts when they go clubbing (even if it's too cold), and if they don't, they are chastised as not befitting of our (by definition) sexist expectations, and possibly considered 'ugly'?

You certainly (and Lost probably) are actively "foster[ing] stereotypes of social roles based on sex." Ergo sexist.

And sure, people are sensitive. But I don't see what's wrong with that, or what's wrong with being politically correct. It's fun and easy to be a little insensitive to others, but different when it's in your direction. Like in primary school, with making fun of a 'fat kid'. It may be funny to you (not a 'fat kid'), but what happens when everything turns around and suddenly the 'short kid' becomes flavour of the month?

We are sensitive creatures, so why do we need to be so insensitive? There's nothing wrong with political correctness (although I concede it can be taken too far in rare instances).

[Che]

Why is it that men expect women to look and behave in certain ways? Why is there some sort of informal protocol that states that women should wear tiny skirts when they go clubbing (even if it's too cold), and if they don't, they are chastised as not befitting of our (by definition) sexist expectations, and possibly considered 'ugly'?

Her looks have nothing to do with what she's wearing. Women also have an expectation of what they want guys to look like. It's just the process of choosing a mate, it's not sexist.

We are sensitive creatures, so why do we need to be so insensitive? There's nothing wrong with political correctness (although I concede it can be taken too far in rare instances).

The problem with it is people take it too far, and it's not a rare instance at all. It happens everyday. It's okay to be sensitive, but understand that you can't be offended by everything all the time. Grow up and understand you have to deal with things sometimes.

[Dodie16]

I had to do a google image search about this Iliana character, because it's been a while since I've seen the show "Lost", and I just couldn't remember for the life of me who she was. I think that in some of the pictures I looked at, she is pretty sexy, like this one:


I wouldn't say a lot of the others made me think "Oh. She's pretty sexy!", but I realize that they are stuck on an island, so personal appearance takes a backseat to surviving on that crazy island.

And as for Juliet Burke, I like her and the actress that plays her. She is one of my favorites in the show. I also think she is very pretty, but that's just my opinion.

SPOILER!!:

I hope that she didn't die in the explosion.... But for some reason, all the characters that I like end up dying.... Boone, Ana Lucia, Libby, Charlie... All dead, and all characters that I really liked... Makes me a little sadface to think about it...

Well, as far as people being too sensitive, I am pretty guilty of being a bit too sensitive (I'm a pretty big crybaby, to be honest...). I've gotten better with age about taking stuff to heart and getting upset about trivial things. I had to realize that it shouldn't really matter what people think or say when it hurts your feelings, because people can be cruel sometimes. It's going to happen sooner or later (it's just part of being human), so just keep a stiff upper lip.

Oh, and I don't think you're sexist for calling Iliana not sexy. That's your opinion, and people should have respected it.

[Locke4God]

@ Dodie - WOW that does look hot, but that's the best picture i've ever seen of her.

Now here's another. Note that she's on a plane. She's got her hair done, make up on, and she's wearing a suit. So she's definately trying to look good. I'll repeat, this is her trying to look good. It's not that she fails. She looks ok. But to me this doesn't come close to the one above. She looks average.



IMO - The image of her in the slinky dress above is highly overdone. Perfect makeup. perfect lighting. Perfect pose. Perfect dress. And she's pushed up as far as she can go.

An average person, esspecially a woman, because women in general look great, can doll themselves up and look amazing under near perfect circumstances even if they only look average in normal conditions. Watch America's Next Top model one day. Half of those girl are just very normal looking girls, but they dress them up, do their hair and make up, and in the end they look absolutely stunning. The top picture of Ilana is the stunning version. The bottom version is her looking her best under normal circumstances.



@ Alpha - I don't think even by definition 2 it was a sexist comment. That says I had to promote a stereotype. I don't think I promoted one. I just said she looked average, but didn't say if she had worn a skirt and applied to work at Hooters or as an office secretary position that she would have looked better.

By the way, I really don't like the whole stereotype that girls should wear slutty attire at a club. In fact I hate those girls. If you show up at a club looking like a hooker, then that's what you are. There's no reason you can't go, still look amazing, but do it more conservatively. I truly hope girls don't dress like that because they think they should. I for one won't talk to you, and I'm a good guy. If you want to meet a decent guy, then go conservative. Otherwise you're just sending a signal, whether you mean to or not, that your nothing but a sex object, and even as a redblooded male, I don't like to look at a girl that way because it feels disrespectful. But if that's your choice and you know what you're doing, then have at it, but no guy is giving you genuine respect if you do. He'll pretend to though.

[Taco-Calamitous]

Grow up and understand you have to deal with things sometimes.

The problem with this, I think, is that people will frequently use this (or statements similar to this) as an excuse to be assholes. "Other people are gonna be assholes anyway, so why shouldn't I be?" Basically, it gives them the excuse to have little to no accountability for how they behave. Thus making them a part of the reason that the world is so "fucked up and cold," (to quote Incubus, apparently) as well. Actually, people use all kinds of excuses to be assholes. Everything in moderation, anyone? Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Jin]

The problem with this, I think, is that people will frequently use this (or statements similar to this) as an excuse to be assholes. "Other people are gonna be assholes anyway, so why shouldn't I be?" Basically, it gives them the excuse to have little to no accountability for how they behave. Thus making them a part of the reason that the world is so "fucked up and cold," (to quote Incubus, apparently) as well. Actually, people use all kinds of excuses to be assholes. Everything in moderation, anyone? Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

Get over it, you whiner!

Oh wait. I just proved your point. Shi--!

[Locke4God]

I completely disagree that political correctness is a good thing. It's rarely a good thing if you ask me. Essentially its given an increasingly larger and larger pass to anybody who isn't a hetersexual white male to do whatever they want, because if you voice your opinion of protest or concern you're immediately called a sexist, a racist, a homophobe, or something else along those lines. Because dear lord I don't think women should be involved in "BOY" Scouts. Wouldn't want to have an all male bonding experience. Nope. That would be sexist. And there are so many topics that political correctness won't even allow us to discuss in a logical manner. You dare not discuss the economic conditions of Blacks in the country. In fact I can't even say Blacks. The PC world makes us divide into groups and call eachother White Americans, or African Americans, as though we're supposed to be so scared to offend one another. Is getting over this trepedation not the best way to move on, rather than lingering here in this world where we walk on eggshells? If I suggested that at this point, Blacks are simply going to have to help themselves and Affirmative action is not going to be the answer to economic equality, then my good god I am a racist bastard who needs to be shot by the PC police. And we can't debate gay marriage logically either, or amnesty, or wealth redistribution. Because if I'm against any of those, no matter how logical and sound my reasoning is, I'm immediately accused by the PC world of hating gays or Mexicans, or poor people. I'm just an elitist snob desperate to hold onto my political power. And so the PC crowd won't even listen reason, and that's why I say that Political Correctness is a bad thing. There's no room for debate. It's the very definition of putting up a wall that you stand behind and remain in your cozy little utopia, where everything is perfect and everybody gets along and has everything they need. Meanwhile they don't, and instead they sit behind the wall blaming the people on the other side for their anger. They make a big show that they're sitting on the other side of the wall and talk about how much better it is there. But they don't actually get along with anybody else on that side of the wall, except for those hurling grenades over the wall for the exact same reason. Everybody else has their own problems. And instead of just tearing the wall down and making the best of their lives, they use the wall as an exuse to either do nothing about their situation or as some impenetrable force they must continue hurling grenades over as the only means to win their little battle which we all know must be won by any means necessary or god help us all. Meanwhile nobody put the wall up but themselves, and it just seems at this point as though they enjoy living in their little PC world, hissing and spitting at everybody they can and proposing mandates that their side of the wall be given half of everything the "oposing" side of the wall has, when the fact of the matter is they could simply earn it for themselves if they didn't insist on staying on their side of the wall. And so the battle wages, between the people who really just want to be happy, and the people who insist on making the most of whatever disadvantage they perceive themselves to have, and we tie a nice little bow on it that says Political Correctness. I say enough of this already. It was cute, but it's time to grow up, stop throwing pity parties, and everybody just come and sit at the big boy table.

[Govinda]

Political correctness exists for good reasons. It's not just to keep the middle class white male down, believe it or not; not everything is about you.

Saying that a woman is weak and emotional because she is a woman perpetuates a harmful stereotype. Saying that black people are violent perpetuates a harmful stereotype. Saying that poor white people sleep with their siblings perpetuates a harmful stereotype.

I'm all for our differences, and celebrating them. I'm glad I'm not a man, I'm happy not to be black, simply because I'm a happy caucasian female. It's fine to express your opinion in jest, sure - I spend half my time here taking the rip out of Americans for taking the rip out of the French - but you need to be careful. When people get offended, it's not just because what you said pissed them off - it's because you're adding on to a long line of stereotypical views that led to woman, blacks, and gays being subjugated for the vast majority of the past 2000 years in the West. Well, the blacks only joined in later on, but you see what I mean.

I don't see how you were being sexist by calling that woman average-looking. She is average-looking, so what? She's a successful actress, probably pretty smart, got her shit all in order, and has done that without needing to look special. Props.

[Unknown Entity]

Firstly, wow that post killed my eyes. It came across as a rant. No, it was a rant.

Secondly, "Blacks" could mean anything black. Being PC or not being PC is all well and good, it's just sometimes better to know the difference between right and wrong, and how you'd feel if you were one of the "blacks".

¬¬;

EDIT: Govinda said it all. I know mine was short, but I was having slight difficulties reading.

[Jin]

I completely disagree that political correctness is a good thing. It's rarely a good thing if you ask me. Essentially its given an increasingly larger and larger pass to anybody who isn't a hetersexual white male to do whatever they want, because if you voice your opinion of protest or concern you're immediately called a sexist, a racist, a homophobe, or something else along those lines. Because dear lord I don't think women should be involved in "BOY" Scouts. CanWouldn't want to have an all male bonding experience. Nope. That would be sexist. And there are so many topics that political correctness won't even allow us to discuss in a logical manner. You dare not discuss the economic conditions of Blacks in the country. In fact I can't even say Blacks. The PCyou world makes us divide into groups and call eachother White Americans, or African Americans, as though we're supposed to be so scared to offend one another. Is getting over this trepedation not the best way to move on, rather than lingering here in this world where we walk on eggshells? Ibreakf I suggested that at this point, Blacks are simply going to have to help themselves and Affirmative action is not going to be the answer to economic equality, then my good god I am a racist bastard who needs to be shot by the PC police. And we can't debate gay marriage logically either, or thisamnesty, or wealth redistribution. Because if I'm against any of those, code?no matter how logical and sound my reasoning is, I'm immediately accused by the PC world of hating gays or Mexicans, or poor people. I'm just an elitist snob desperate to hold onto my politicaI was the one thatl power. And so the PC crowd won't even listen reason, and that's why I say that Political Correctness is a bad thing. There's no room for debate. It's the very definition of putting up a wall that you stand behind and remain in your cozy little utopia, where everything is perfect and everybody killedgets along and has everything they need. Meanwhile they don't, and instead they sit behind the wall blaming the people on the other side for their anger. They make a big show Kennedythat they're sitting on the other side of the wall and talk about how much better it is there. But they don't actually get along with anybody else on that side of the wall, except for those hurling grenades over the wall for the exact same reason. Everybody else has their own problems. And instead of just tearing the wall down and making the best of their lives, they use the wall as an exuse to either do nothing about their situation or as some impenetrable force they must continue hurling grenades over as the only means to win their little battle which we all know must be won by any LOLmeans necessary or god help us all. Meanwhile nobody put the wall up but themselves, and it just seems at this point as though they enjoy living in their little PC world, hissing and spitting at everybody they can and proposing mandates that their side of the wall be given half of everything the "oposing" side of the wall has, when the fact of the matter is they could simply earn it for themselves if they didn't insist on staying on their side of the wall. And so the battle wages, between the people who really just want to be happy, and the people who insist on making the most of whatever disadvantage they perceive themselves to have, and we tie a nice little Paragraphs need love toobow on it that says Political Correctness. I say enough of this already. It was cute, but it's time to grow up, stop throwing pity parties, and everybody just come and sit at the big boy table.

Get over it, you whiner!

Man, that is way easier.

[Tiffany]

it's time to grow up, stop throwing pity parties, and everybody just come and sit at the big boy table.

What about the big GIRL table? Or do we have to sit at yours?

LOL. Sorry couldn't resist.

Govinda, UE and Jin have said it all. Good posts!

[Locke4God]

Ha,,,, yeah girls can sit there too ;-)



@ Unknown Entity - about the same as I feel being one of the whites. You see you prove my point. I can't say the word black without it being disected and looked as a negative connotation. I can be white all day, but I say the word black or mexican, and there are all of these hushed whispers and eyes darting around to see how the crowd reacts, even though nothing negative was even insinuated. If everything is equal then lets just be equal and stop protecting selected chucks of society already. I understand why it started but there has to be a time to move on or else we're not as free as we're pretending to be. This patty cake treatment based on fear of being called a _____ist is just getting tiresome, and I say if you know in your heart that you're not biased then stop being afraid and do what you have to do. And if you're a race baiter out there, always trying to turn a disagreement or bout of misfortune into some sort of sexist or racist slight against you, then just chill. Sure there are some idiots out there, but step back and realize most people aren't. Everybody isn't out to get you.

[Unknown Entity]

I can't say the word black without it being disected and looked as a negative connotation.

This is where you're wrong. I commented on you saying blacks, not black people. To some people, it could mean the same thing, but others can see the difference. As far as I'm concerned, saying "black people" is okay - it's better than saying "coloured" or "brown people".

At the end of the day, it's not my place to tell you what you can and can't say. But my opinion, and the opinions of others will always be there. It's a matter of being careful when and where you choose to use certain words and phrases, because whether you like it or not, there are people who will disagree with you.

Yes, there are people out there who freak out big time when certain words are used (the N word for example), but if you know this, then why continue to use the word knowing it'll upset someone? I don't even understand why the N word needs to be used any more, yet people still argue over wanting to use it again without the fear of being... <whatevered> by the people who dislike the term.

So you say people are too sensitive? I say there are too many insensitive people out there who still don't understand the difference between right and wrong, and who are only out there for personal gain. There is nothing wrong with being sensitive.

[OceanEyes28]

I can be white all day, but I say the word black or mexican, and there are all of these hushed whispers and eyes darting around to see how the crowd reacts, even though nothing negative was even insinuated.

Everybody isn't out to get you.

*snicker*


About the topic:
Being a self-proclaimed asshole does not make you cool, it just makes you an asshole. Pretty much anyone can be a complete **** to other people. It's not hard. It doesn't make you special. Having empathy and understanding (and, omg, sensitivity) for others, and getting over your gigantic ego and sense of entitlement, trying to see the world from other perspectives and not getting defensive and angry over why YOU can't have a pride parade.... that's admirable.

[Alpha]

So you say people are too sensitive? I say there are too many insensitive people out there who still don't understand the difference between right and wrong, and who are only out there for personal gain. There is nothing wrong with being sensitive.

YES.

I think the biggest problem is that a lot of what is called 'racist' or 'sexist' (etc.) is not explicit. Not many people nowadays seek to keep black people as slaves, or prevent women from voting, but there are other forms of racism and sexism that still pervade society to an extent.

Here's a few extracts from an (American) economics textbook (of all places):

Forty years ago, there was open and outright discrimination kin the labor [sic] market. Some employers simply refused to hire African Americans. Today much of the discrimination that occurs is more subtle. Firms seek to hire the best workers they can for each job at the lowest cost possible, operating with imperfect information [about potential employees]. In making predictions about future performance, employers use whatever information they have available. Employers may have found that those receiving a degree from a well-established school are more productive, on average, than those receiving a degree from a less-established college. Of the Africna Americans and Hispanics who are college graduates, many more may have gone to less-prestigious schools. Screening the applicant pool to pick those with degrees from well-established colleges effectively excludes many African Americans and Hispanics. This more subtle form of discrimination is called statistical discrimination.

Statistical discrimination is a valid argument in support of affirmative action.

Some discrimination reflects neither old-fashioned prejudice or statistics. Employers may just feel more comfortable dealing with people with whom they have dealt with in the past. Highly uncertain about who is a good worker, and knowing that a bad worker can do enormous damage, top management may rely on certain trusted employees for recommendations. And such judgments are inevitably affected by friendships and other ties. Many claim that if discrimination is to be eliminated, this associative form, based on "old boy networks", has to be broken.

When firms pay lower wages to, say, women or minorities, they are practicing wage discrimination. Today, wage discrimination is perhaps less common than job discrimination, the denial to disadvantaged groups of equal access [FREEDOM OF OPPORTUNITY] to better-paying jobs. Women are said to face a "glass ceiling": they can climb up to middle management jobs but can't get beyond that level to reach top management [somewhat due to "old boy networks"].

And that's just an economic argument.

Locke, discrimination still exists. Stereotyping happens everyday. Being politically correct, as I see it, is being aware of this. To not be politically correct is to just carry on with your day, happy because slavery's gone and women can vote, ignoring other, more insidious forms of discrimination. This is not to say that we shouldn't be able to say 'black' or (if you so wish) to call a woman 'average-looking', but it is to acknowledge that the world is not a level playing field. Sensitivity to this exists for damn good reasons.

I understand that this has diverged somewhat from the OP, but I'm just exploring what Locke moved toward in his rant.

[Zardoch]

Of course, people are becoming too sensitive. We're in an age where Victicrats (i.e. a person(s) claiming to be victims in practically every part of their life, such as: feminist, black Americans, homosexuals, etc.) run the mainstream media and are gaining more power as they bully people into submission so that they can justify their immature and irrational behavior. You can't disagree with these people without being labeled and cooperation is all but non-existent unless you do it their way, even if their way is wrong (e.g. a business decision).

You're a white male saying some girl doesn't look pretty? You're a sexist. You a white person saying you don't like a specific black person for a non-racial reason? You're a racist. In the end, it's all about them and their opinion. You're just a second-rate citizen with an insulting label that has no right to have an opinion if it's not the right opinion.

Political correctness creates an illusion in reality and breeds a never-ending cycle of excuses and accusations without addressing the truth and reality of whatever issue is brought up. Like such illusions as white male privilege (and not to mention are oppressive) or that white people in general are a privileged race. Worst of all is these people who believe in these illusions go beyond all logic and reason and arguing is not like talking to a wall, but a giant castle with an array of built-in defenses on every stone. They believe so profoundly into such philosophical and victicratic lies that nothing else matters and it becomes a sense of religion with their own version of the ten commandments. In the end, they become the very thing they hate.

So the answer to your question is most definitely, yes. It reminds of a card from this 90's board game called 'Illuminati' where the card is titled "Kill for Peace" with a picture of a hippie standing over an injured police man. In this case, it's more like "Facism for Peace" where you have absolutely no constitutional right to disagree, have an opinion, or live a life they deem unacceptable (mind you, these people are so delusional that they'll say that you're wrong and you are entitled such rights, while at the same time dismissing your rights as misunderstandings or lies). Like in that futuristic Sylvester Stallone movie, "Demolition Man", in which he awoke to a future where sex, salt, meat, bad language, violence, and practically everything a liberal hates or whines about is banned, period.

Anyway, I hope my post was informing for you.

[Taco-Calamitous]

I've thought about this a little more, and I think the answer comes down to this: Common Sense, and tact. Knowing when it is appropriate to say something. Weigh the pros and cons of saying it, and if you find there's really nothing beneficial, but probably detrimental, to saying what you're thinking of saying, to not say it. Is it really worth it to say the f word in front of your mother/a priest/someone else who probably doesn't want to hear it, just because you feel entitled to swearing? Probably not. Think of your "audience," and how they will react.

Personally, I probably wouldn't say that a woman is not attractive unless someone asked me if I found her attractive, and I really didn't, because I'm not going to lie. If the girl asked me herself, I'd ask her if she were trying to corner me with a loaded question. Kind of like the question that was leveled at Miss California this year at the Miss America show. "Do you believe that Gay Marriage should be legalized?" That question should not have been asked. Either way, people were not going to be happy with her about it, most likely. Although a lot of people-on both sides of the issue-respected her answer and didn't take issue with it, one of the judges-Perez Hilton, I think his name is-called her a "stupid bitch," and she was basically investigated until they could find something on her to take her title away. So at the same time, people should think about the questions they're asking; do they really want to know the answer?

As for discrimination, no doubt that it exists still. Everyone is a little biased, or a little racist, against someone else. Even if you don't want to admit it. It's all a part of the "Us vs. Them" mentality inherent in every human being. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Govinda]

Of course, people are becoming too sensitive. We're in an age where Victicrats (i.e. a person(s) claiming to be victims in practically every part of their life, such as: feminist, black Americans, homosexuals, etc.) run the mainstream media and are gaining more power as they bully people into submission so that they can justify their immature and irrational behavior. You can't disagree with these people without being labeled and cooperation is all but non-existent unless you do it their way, even if their way is wrong (e.g. a business decision).

You're a white male saying some girl doesn't look pretty? You're a sexist. You a white person saying you don't like a specific black person for a non-racial reason? You're a racist. In the end, it's all about them and their opinion. You're just a second-rate citizen with an insulting label that has no right to have an opinion if it's not the right opinion.

Political correctness creates an illusion in reality and breeds a never-ending cycle of excuses and accusations without addressing the truth and reality of whatever issue is brought up. Like such illusions as white male privilege (and not to mention are oppressive) or that white people in general are a privileged race. Worst of all is these people who believe in these illusions go beyond all logic and reason and arguing is not like talking to a wall, but a giant castle with an array of built-in defenses on every stone. They believe so profoundly into such philosophical and victicratic lies that nothing else matters and it becomes a sense of religion with their own version of the ten commandments. In the end, they become the very thing they hate.

So the answer to your question is most definitely, yes. It reminds of a card from this 90's board game called 'Illuminati' where the card is titled "Kill for Peace" with a picture of a hippie standing over an injured police man. In this case, it's more like "Facism for Peace" where you have absolutely no constitutional right to disagree, have an opinion, or live a life they deem unacceptable (mind you, these people are so delusional that they'll say that you're wrong and you are entitled such rights, while at the same time dismissing your rights as misunderstandings or lies). Like in that futuristic Sylvester Stallone movie, "Demolition Man", in which he awoke to a future where sex, salt, meat, bad language, violence, and practically everything a liberal hates or whines about is banned, period.

Anyway, I hope my post was informing for you.

I'm a liberal. Most of us dig sex, salt, meat and swearing. And you like there being violence in the world?

You complain about victimisation. You sound like you think you're being victimised. How exactly are your rights being taken from you? I don't understand your post.

'Political correctness creates an illusion in reality and breeds a never-ending cycle of excuses and accusations without addressing the truth and reality of whatever issue is brought up.'

Where does this leave actual hate crimes? They do exist, and laws need to be kept to attempt their prevention. And as far as I'm concerned, political correctness does address the actual issues - it's saying to a gay person that while their sexual orientation was illegal for many years in the West, they are free to do as they please now, and that they won't be judged for it.


'In the end, it's all about them and their opinion. You're just a second-rate citizen with an insulting label that has no right to have an opinion if it's not the right opinion.'


And here, you excellently sum up the real situation of women, gays and blacks until a few decades ago. Do not try to claim that white males or females face a life like that these days. I'm not sure if you're saying that or not; the 'you're' in your sentence isn't defined clearly.


'They believe so profoundly into such philosophical and victicratic lies that nothing else matters and it becomes a sense of religion with their own version of the ten commandments. In the end, they become the very thing they hate.'


So you hate intolerance, while not being able to tolerate liberals. Admirable. But I repeat: it's all about stereotypes. Calling a woman weak and emotional, a gay man corrupted, or a black person untrustworthy perpetuates a harmful stereotype that really has no place in the modern world. Don't get me wrong - I know women who are weak and emotional, a gay guy who irritates me with his bullshit every time we speak, and one of the Nigerians at my boyfriend's work was a thief. I would not hesitate to call them weak, aresholes, or a thief because that is what they are. I wouldn't be punished if I did, because I'd be stating a fact about their lives.

It's the difference between, 'Eric, one of the guys at my boyfriend's work stole the whole pile of lottery cards' and 'Eric, that Nigerian guy at my boyfriend's work, stole all the lottery cards'. The former sentence reports the crime; the latter reports the crime and suggests that it had something to do with his being Nigerian. His nationality had **** all to do with it. Do you see?

[Jin]

It's all about power and marginalization, friends. Race, gender, class, you name it. Few people see the power relations behind stereotypes. Hegemonic discourses of gender and race don't disappear simply by enfranchising those with no political say. It's not all about politics, at least not in the narrow sense of the word. You'd be a fool to dispute that our culture is gendered, just as you'd be a fool to dispute that our culture is racialized. Hegemonic discourses of what a man is, what a woman is, what a white person is and what a black person is constantly exercise power over those which they define by congealing into so called common sense. Power is exercised over whites and men just as it is over blacks and females, but the problem lies in the difference between the hegemonic discourses: blacks and women are painted as subordinates or inferiors when it comes to the broader definition of politics. This is what the discourse of political correctness seeks to counter; it seeks to become the hegemon. Whether it's able to or not is up for grabs. But that also means that it will exercise power over others all the same. It will just remove gender and race from the mix. In theory anyways.

I will now wait for this post to be either ignored or misinterpreted.

[Rocky]

It's all about power and marginalization, friends. Race, gender, class, you name it. Few people see the power relations behind stereotypes. Hegemonic discourses of gender and race don't disappear simply by enfranchising those with no political say. It's not all about politics, at least not in the narrow sense of the word. You'd be a fool to dispute that our culture is gendered, just as you'd be a fool to dispute that our culture is racialized. Hegemonic discourses of what a man is, what a woman is, what a white person is and what a black person is constantly exercise power over those which they define by congealing into so called common sense. Power is exercised over whites and men just as it is over blacks and females, but the problem lies in the difference between the hegemonic discourses: blacks and women are painted as subordinates or inferiors when it comes to the broader definition of politics. This is what the discourse of political correctness seeks to counter; it seeks to become the hegemon. Whether it's able to or not is up for grabs. But that also means that it will exercise power over others all the same. It will just remove gender and race from the mix. In theory anyways.

I will now wait for this post to be either ignored or misinterpreted.

You must really like that word or something. Is this your way of making some kind of hegemonic post about some general statement you made that makes no sense in practice?

[Polk]

It's all about power and marginalization, friends. Race, gender, class, you name it. Few people see the power relations behind stereotypes. Hegemonic discourses of gender and race don't disappear simply by enfranchising those with no political say. It's not all about politics, at least not in the narrow sense of the word. You'd be a fool to dispute that our culture is gendered, just as you'd be a fool to dispute that our culture is racialized. Hegemonic discourses of what a man is, what a woman is, what a white person is and what a black person is constantly exercise power over those which they define by congealing into so called common sense. Power is exercised over whites and men just as it is over blacks and females, but the problem lies in the difference between the hegemonic discourses: blacks and women are painted as subordinates or inferiors when it comes to the broader definition of politics. This is what the discourse of political correctness seeks to counter; it seeks to become the hegemon. Whether it's able to or not is up for grabs. But that also means that it will exercise power over others all the same. It will just remove gender and race from the mix. In theory anyways.

I will now wait for this post to be either ignored or misinterpreted.

You're just mad because you're a racist/sexist/classist. Am I a good forum poster now?