Why be PC???

[runninmommy]

Can anyone honestly tell me why they would "want" to be PC??????

 

What purpose does it serve?

 

Does it get a point across?

 

Or does it serve as a means to be well-liked?

 

Seriously...I want to know. No snark intended. I just do not understand.

 

Maybe I am just thick-headed????

 

What would the world be like if we were just.................honest??

[melissel]

Can anyone honestly tell me why they would "want" to be PC??????

 

What purpose does it serve?

 

Does it get a point across?

 

Or does it serve as a means to be well-liked?

 

Seriously...I want to know. No snark intended. I just do not understand.

 

Maybe I am just thick-headed????

 

What would the world be like if we were just.................honest??

 

Because I don't generally like to go around offending people, and I think the world works better if we make an effort to get along and work together. Because if someone says something bothers them, I'm generally happy to help them feel better. I think we should care enough about each other to respect each others' feelings in this way, even if I happen to think their concern is misguided. Who am I to decide how someone should feel about something? Those are my own reasons.

[Christy B]

For the same reason I don't talk with food in my mouth.

 

I can communicate something in a way that is offensive, or I can pause, swallow, and communicate the same thing in a way that is pleasant and considerate of others.

 

That's the main reason: common courtesy and respect for others.

 

Secondary to that, as a Christian, I believe that being "pc" is more in line with Romans 12:18, which instructs Christians to "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

[runninmommy]

For the same reason I don't talk with food in my mouth.

 

I can communicate something in a way that is offensive, or I can pause, swallow, and communicate the same thing in a way that is pleasant and considerate of others.

 

That's the main reason: common courtesy and respect for others.

 

Secondary to that, as a Christian, I believe that being "pc" is more in line with Romans 12:18, which instructs Christians to "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

 

Thank you..That is Food for thought....

 

But at what point????

 

Where is the boundry line?

[melissel]

Well, do you have something specific in mind? I'm hard pressed to think of some sort of political correctness about which I would think, "That's ridiculous, I won't do it."

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Can anyone honestly tell me why they would "want" to be PC??????

 

What purpose does it serve?

 

Does it get a point across?

 

Or does it serve as a means to be well-liked?

 

Seriously...I want to know. No snark intended. I just do not understand.

 

Maybe I am just thick-headed????

 

What would the world be like if we were just.................honest??

 

"Be ye *kind* one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another." Etc.

 

I still want to be known for my love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness and temperance. If I still had faith, I'd want to be known for that, too.

 

Not for my brutal honesty. Which, someone recently reminded me, is often more focused on the "brutal" than the "honest" for those who are known for this trait. If I'm going to speak the truth, I'm going to try to do it with love. And that takes some thought and consideration and some careful doing, particularly if what I'm going to say is a hard truth.

 

When we make one virtue (honesty) trump all other virtues (kindness, meekness, charity, humility, peacefulness, nobility, justice, purity) in the name of telling it like it is and having our own way, then I think we need to re-examine our priorities.

 

I don't for an instance want to be "politically" correct, whatever that really is. I've never understood the term, really. I just want to be civilized. And I want to be honorable. And I want to show mercy and compassions to my fellow man.

[emmsmama]

I try my best to be "PC" mainly just to be courteous to others. I won't go overboard being paranoid about any term I use or comment I make, but I do my best to try to avoid terms or comments that have a high probability of offending others.

[Laura K (NC)]

To me, that means the bioethics issues, socialism, marxism, collectivism, anything that threatens the definition of the family and the virtue of motherhood, or when history is distorted or suppressed.

 

I'll be happy to be PC with regard to issues of racism, being "green," and promoting dialogue between different social groups. I won't allow political correctness to dictate my conscience to me.

[runninmommy]

"Be ye *kind* one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another." Etc.

 

I still want to be known for my love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness and temperance. If I still had faith, I'd want to be known for that, too.

 

Not for my brutal honesty. Which, someone recently reminded me, is often more focused on the "brutal" than the "honest" for those who are known for this trait. If I'm going to speak the truth, I'm going to try to do it with love. And that takes some thought and consideration and some careful doing, particularly if what I'm going to say is a hard truth.

 

When we make one virtue (honesty) trump all other virtues (kindness, meekness, charity, humility, peacefulness, nobility, justice, purity) in the name of telling it like it is and having our own way, then I think we need to re-examine our priorities.

 

I don't for an instance want to be "politically" correct, whatever that really is. I've never understood the term, really. I just want to be civilized. And I want to be honorable. And I want to show mercy and compassions to my fellow man.

 

 

Pam,

 

I agree with you. I want to be civilized...but honest.

It seems to me that sometimes people want to be well-liked more than they want to be honest.

 

I guess that is what I am getting at. At what point does one care more about being accepted than they do honest?

 

At what point do we stand up for our beliefs and say enough is enough?

[mommaduck]

There are some things that are PC that are merely being kind and non offensive. There are other things where PC is used to stifle the beliefs and convictions of others. Some things you can be PC on and other things you simply must call a spade a spade.

[Plucky]

I think PC was intended to help bring people together. I think now it's often a tool used to tear others apart and make them fall into line with a different way of thinking (not better, just different).

[KidsHappen]

What would the world be like if we were just.................honest??

 

Rude, abrasive, brutal, obnoxious, etc. Because sometimes the truth hurts and often speaking it serves no purpose. A person may very well be fat but if there is nothing to be done about it then why say it. Other times, people can not come to an honest agreement regarding the truth and therefore need to agree to use a common respectful language when discussing their differences. Anything that can be said, can usually be said nicely and if it cannot be then it might not need to be said at all. Polite language often keeps disagreements from escalating and allows people from different POVs to coexist peacefully.

[Haiku]

I think that political correctness gets a bad rap because it is called political correctness. If it were called speaking with sensitivity, or speaking with kindess, it would probably not be so picked on. You can be honest and polite. You can be honest and well-liked. You can be sensitive and truthful.

 

Tara

[runninmommy]

I think that political correctness gets a bad rap because it is called political correctness. If it were called speaking with sensitivity, or speaking with kindess, it would probably not be so picked on. You can be honest and polite. You can be honest and well-liked. You can be sensitive and truthful.

 

Tara

 

 

True...Very true

[Christy B]

Pam,

 

I agree with you. I want to be civilized...but honest.

It seems to me that sometimes people want to be well-liked more than they want to be honest.

 

I guess that is what I am getting at. At what point does one care more about being accepted than they do honest?

 

At what point do we stand up for our beliefs and say enough is enough?

 

Oh, okay, I think I understand what you are saying.

 

Kind of like how I politely drink my dad's coffee when I want to say, "For crying out loud, Dad -- one scoop per CUP, not one scoop per POT! Please, for the love of all that is decent and right in this world, learn to make a decent cup of coffee!".

 

Or, "Geriatric rights aside, if you can't see over the steering wheel, you shouldn't be on the road!"

 

Like that? :tongue_smilie:

 

Hm.

 

I really can't think of a situation where I feel like I have to choose between being honest and being accepted. I have been blessed to be on the receiving end of consideration and respect from folks (many on this board, in fact) whose world view is vastly different from my own. There is a mutual carefulness in how we express our views, though. If that is being "pc", then it's working for me. ;)

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Pam,

 

I agree with you. I want to be civilized...but honest.

It seems to me that sometimes people want to be well-liked more than they want to be honest.

 

I guess that is what I am getting at. At what point does one care more about being accepted than they do honest?

 

At what point do we stand up for our beliefs and say enough is enough?

 

I stand up for what I believe and also try to continue to be kind. I feel obligated that way. What does it matter if I communicate my beliefs and alienate those I most want to convince? Of what profit is that? I'm no better than the shrill talking heads of our day who can't speak to convince, only to alienate. Who can only preach to the choir and sneer at the opposition. And who the opposition have no interest in hearing except to shout back and generate more hate and misunderstanding and disharmony.

 

I'd rather live out my beliefs, anyway. My walk should talk much louder than my talk should talk, IMO. A well-placed word, fitly and kindly spoken to a person who has been made receptive by my NOT turning them away from my message with an arrogant I'm-right-and-you're-a-fool attitude, is worth more than a whole hour of ranting and telling it like it is.

 

Seek peace, and pursue it. There's your boundary. You run after peace, even if it's alluding you.

[Elaine]

Pam,

 

I agree with you. I want to be civilized...but honest.

It seems to me that sometimes people want to be well-liked more than they want to be honest.

 

I guess that is what I am getting at. At what point does one care more about being accepted than they do honest?

 

At what point do we stand up for our beliefs and say enough is enough?

 

I agree with this. I am honest and I won't compromise what I think is right. I try to be as kind as possible but sometimes my big mouth gets the best of me.

 

Wishy-washy people, who don't stand for anything, bother me more than someone who speaks their mind, even if it's in an unkind way.

[Carrie12345]

I don't care much about being liked. I do not want to be the source of someone else's pain.

[HRAAB]

If you are equating PC with showing verbal respect for people, not giving offense, then yes, I want to be PC. I do care if I offend people. I believe a person can state their beliefs with grace and not offend people who disagree.

 

Janet

[runninmommy]

I agree with this. I am honest and I won't compromise what I think is right. I try to be as kind as possible but sometimes my big mouth gets the best of me.

 

Wishy-washy people, who don't stand for anything, bother me more than someone who speaks their mind, even if it's in an unkind way.

 

 

I LOVE you Elaine..

 

Just in case I have not said so enough lately......

 

 

 

 

 

;)

[Elaine]

I LOVE you Elaine..

 

Just in case I have not said so enough lately......

 

 

 

 

 

;)

 

If you love me so much, come and make me some coffee!:lol:

 

 

 

The feeling is mutual.:001_smile:

 

 

Someday we must meet and offend each other with our non-political correctness.:D

[Erica in PA]

I stand up for what I believe and also try to continue to be kind. I feel obligated that way.

 

 

You know, I really don't think that is unusual... in fact it's the norm among people I know. And yet, those same people would still fall into the non-PC camp in the eyes of many simply by admitting to their own beliefs on various issues. No matter how kindly, how gently, how sensitively and in a loving spirit one can express those views, they will not be respected in return-- because though people do not like to admit it, it is sometimes the *views* themselves that people have a problem with, not the tone or the attitude of the person who holds them.

 

I believe that what it comes down to is that the time has passed in our culture when a belief in absolute truth was considered widely acceptable in some circles. Relativism and tolerance and acceptance for every viewpoint are viewed as *superior* to holding to moral absolutes. The belief that truth is relative is a more moral belief, more enlightened belief, than that there is one right answer-- in fact, merely believing that there is only one right answer shows arrogance, to some people.

 

I think that's the kind of thing that the OP was talking about. I don't think she was saying, "Why bother being polite? Why bother showing kindness?" I think most of us know that those are good things to strive to be. To me, it's more the issue of why can't people be honest about what they believe, especially when what they believe is that there are absolutes.

[Jenny in Florida]

Rude, abrasive, brutal, obnoxious, etc. Because sometimes the truth hurts and often speaking it serves no purpose. A person may very well be fat but if there is nothing to be done about it then why say it. Other times, people can not come to an honest agreement regarding the truth and therefore need to agree to use a common respectful language when discussing their differences. Anything that can be said, can usually be said nicely and if it cannot be then it might not need to be said at all. Polite language often keeps disagreements from escalating and allows people from different POVs to coexist peacefully.

 

I think that political correctness gets a bad rap because it is called political correctness. If it were called speaking with sensitivity, or speaking with kindess, it would probably not be so picked on. You can be honest and polite. You can be honest and well-liked. You can be sensitive and truthful.

 

Tara

 

I stand up for what I believe and also try to continue to be kind. I feel obligated that way. What does it matter if I communicate my beliefs and alienate those I most want to convince? Of what profit is that? I'm no better than the shrill talking heads of our day who can't speak to convince, only to alienate. Who can only preach to the choir and sneer at the opposition. And who the opposition have no interest in hearing except to shout back and generate more hate and misunderstanding and disharmony.

 

I'd rather live out my beliefs, anyway. My walk should talk much louder than my talk should talk, IMO. A well-placed word, fitly and kindly spoken to a person who has been made receptive by my NOT turning them away from my message with an arrogant I'm-right-and-you're-a-fool attitude, is worth more than a whole hour of ranting and telling it like it is.

 

Seek peace, and pursue it. There's your boundary. You run after peace, even if it's alluding you.

 

What they said. Every word (especially that part about alienating others).

 

Basically, because I believe we should all work to make the world a kinder place, not a nastier one.

[mommaduck]

If you are equating PC with showing verbal respect for people, not giving offense, then yes, I want to be PC. I do care if I offend people. I believe a person can state their beliefs with grace and not offend people who disagree.

 

Janet

There are those though that are offended by anything they don't like and no matter how you couch your words and tiptoe around them, you offend them by your mere existence and convictions. There are those that are offended by me simply because I cover my hair. I say nothing to them, I don't judge them any differently, but still they are offended. I'm not uncovering just for them when it's my own conviction and a part of who I am. Yet in France, they are banning coverings just to be "PC".

[Elaine]

If you are equating PC with showing verbal respect for people, not giving offense, then yes, I want to be PC. I do care if I offend people. I believe a person can state their beliefs with grace and not offend people who disagree.

 

Janet

 

Janet- You do that well.:001_smile:

 

 

I do want to say, though, that some people make a habit out of being offended and there is simply no way to not offend them. I have a family member like this. I used to walk on egg shells and not say anything to upset their fragile psyche.:001_rolleyes: Now, if you want to be offended that I homeschool my children, well, tough noogies. I don't care. It was very liberating. :D

[LibraryLover]

PC as in what? Literature? Sterotypical beliefs about Muslims or Jews or Blacks or Christians? I need to know what we are talking about first.

[Jumping In Puddles]

I agree with this. I am honest and I won't compromise what I think is right. I try to be as kind as possible but sometimes my big mouth gets the best of me.

 

Wishy-washy people, who don't stand for anything, bother me more than someone who speaks their mind, even if it's in an unkind way.

 

:w00t: This is why I love your posts! We haven't been in the same threads lately, and I miss you. :)

[melissel]

Honestly, I feel like I've missed something here. Are we referring to something in particular? I find it very difficult to have a discussion about this because I don't know what we're talking about, though it seems like a few other people are on the same page as the OP :confused: To me, religious head coverings don't have a thing to do with being PC. If someone asked me about the appropriateness of covered hair, my "PC" response would be, "People should be able to wear whatever they want on their heads." How are wrapped noggins un-PC?

 

I'm lost...maybe this garbage TV is addling my brain :ack2:

[HRAAB]

Janet- You do that well.:001_smile:

 

 

I do want to say, though, that some people make a habit out of being offended and there is simply no way to not offend them. I have a family member like this. I used to walk on egg shells and not say anything to upset their fragile psyche.:001_rolleyes: Now, if you want to be offended that I homeschool my children, well, tough noogies. I don't care. It was very liberating. :D

 

You and mommaduck have made a good point here, and unfortunately, you're right about that. But I think that people who would be offended simply by a woman covering her head, or wearing dresses, or going to a certain church or whatever, where absolutely no offense is intended, is saying more about their own insecurities than about what the other person is or isn't doing.

 

I meant I think I could explain why I'm in flux about Christianity, not sure what I believe, what I disagree with, etc. without offending you by speaking with charity and respect. But again, your sure and confident in your position. I wouldn't think you offend easily. ;)

 

And about the homeschooling, I absolutely agree.

 

Janet

[Elaine]

:w00t: This is why I love your posts! We haven't been in the same threads lately, and I miss you. :)

 

Yes, and I miss the Boss tushy!:lol:

[LibraryLover]

Honestly, I feel like I've missed something here. Are we referring to something in particular? I find it very difficult to have a discussion about this because I don't know what we're talking about, though it seems like a few other people are on the same page as the OP :confused: To me, religious head coverings don't have a thing to do with being PC. If someone asked me about the appropriateness of covered hair, my "PC" response would be, "People should be able to wear whatever they want on their heads." How are wrapped noggins un-PC?

 

Yeah. I'm lost as well. What are we talking about, in particular?

[Elaine]

You and mommaduck have made a good point here, and unfortunately, you're right about that. But I think that people who would be offended simply by a woman covering her head, or wearing dresses, or going to a certain church or whatever, where absolutely no offense is intended, is saying more about their own insecurities than about what the other person is or isn't doing.

 

I meant I think I could explain why I'm in flux about Christianity, not sure what I believe, what I disagree with, etc. without offending you by speaking with charity and respect. But again, your sure and confident in your position. I wouldn't think you offend easily. ;)

 

And about the homeschooling, I absolutely agree.

 

Janet

 

I don't offend easily.:001_smile: But, I have to temper that because I tend to err on the side of thinking that no one else offends easily.

 

I truly, truly don't mean to offend people. I tend to be direct and to the point and I know that can come across as unkind. I think you either love me or put up with me.:lol:

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

You know, I really don't think that is unusual... in fact it's the norm among people I know. And yet, those same people would still fall into the non-PC camp in the eyes of many simply by admitting to their own beliefs on various issues. No matter how kindly, how gently, how sensitively and in a loving spirit one can express those views, they will not be respected in return-- because though people do not like to admit it, it is sometimes the *views* themselves that people have a problem with, not the tone or the attitude of the person who holds them.

 

 

 

But then that falls in the realm of their response. If I've done my part to live peaceably as far as it lies within me, then their response is seriously their own problem. Not mine, you know? I can't change that. And I can't be much bothered to worry about it unless I've actively taken part in offending someone. (And sometimes if I've offended with careless speech or actions. (I apologize a lot because of that, I'm afraid.))

 

I have enough to worry about managing my own oft-sarcastic tongue! LOL

 

We all walk in the light we are given. And none of us have "arrived" yet. So grace and mercy are in order, I believe.

[Sahamamama]

Last week we were having our bathroom totally renovated. We live in a very small house (2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, one living area), and we weren't sure where to go during the construction. My sweet parents, who (thankfully!) were going on vacation, invited us to come and "house sit" for them. ;) No problem-o!

 

My husband and I are taking a walk with our three little daughters and we run into a neighbor/friend (we'll call him Richard, cause that's his name). Out of the blue, Richard goes into this discussion with us about how in America we can't raise adults, so as a result "everyone is always living off of their parents." It was an intentional, stinging honesty -- what he was thinking at the moment, I suppose. And it hurt. Ouch.

 

I must mention here that Richard is a good friend's husband -- SHE is someone I hold very dear, I've known her my entire life. But this is not the first time I've been stung by her husband. An example of a typical verbal slap: We were sitting at their dinner table discussing how I had just finished my seminary degree (an M.A., not an M.Div.), but had not been required to study Greek or Hebrew. He had previously been my pastor, and his response was, "What kind of Mickey Mouse degree is that?"

 

Sometimes, those words still have power to hurt, after all these years. You would think I'd have disarmed them by now. I think we are most hurt by what we ourselves feel as our vulnerabilities, our weaknesses -- what we think might be true about us or our beliefs. Of course I should have studied Greek! Duh. I hear the echo of Richard's words, "What kind of Mickey Mouse degree is that?" Now that I'm a mother, I think about that every morning as I'm changing the twins' poopy diapers. "Oh, if only I had studied Greek...."

 

Seriously, I can see his point, in a way, but at the time, hearing him blurt it out that way was painful enough to keep me away from my friend's home, unless I was certain her (blunt) husband was in Sweden or Japan on business. Richard now teaches the adult Sunday School class at our church, and people love him, they think he's a great teacher.

 

Do you think I was encouraged by what he said, or thrown down by it? Yes, we need to be stronger than the words thrown at us, but I think that there is a lot to be said for speaking in kindness. Looking back, I realize that Richard might just as easily have said, "Would you like to learn Greek? I've found it helpful in these ways.... So if you'd like, I could loan you some resources or point you to a great self-study program. I could answer any questions that pop up." IMO, that is what a great teacher does.

 

I've gotten more encouragement to study and learn from reading Drew Campbell's writings (for example) than I ever got from any pastor, including Richard -- and I never even met Dr. C. How's that for PC? ;)

 

Thank God for all those who simply encourage us to begin where we're at and learn.

[Jumping In Puddles]

Yes, and I miss the Boss tushy!:lol:

 

I have always wondered if people here thought that the Boss tushy was, umm, not very PC! :001_huh: After all, my avatar is of someone's butt and I'm sure someone has been offended! :lol:

Edited April 15, 2009 by Jumping In Puddles

[melissel]

Aw, Sahamamama, that has nothing to do with any kind of political correctness. That guy is just plain RUDE! What kind of thing is that to say to anyone, for any reason? A little duct tape might be in order when you're around him!

[Elaine]

I have always wondered if people here thought that the Boss tushy was, umm, not very PC! :lol: After all, my avatar is of someone's butt and I'm sure someone has been offended! :lol:

 

Don't worry, if someone is offended, I am sure they will start a thread about it.:lol:

[Erica in PA]

But then that falls in the realm of their response. If I've done my part to live peaceably as far as it lies within me, then their response is seriously their own problem. Not mine, you know? I can't change that. And I can't be much bothered to worry about it unless I've actively taken part in offending someone. (And sometimes if I've offended with careless speech or actions. (I apologize a lot because of that, I'm afraid.))

 

I have enough to worry about managing my own oft-sarcastic tongue! LOL

 

We all walk in the light we are given. And none of us have "arrived" yet. So grace and mercy are in order, I believe.

 

:iagree:

[Jenny in Florida]

To me, religious head coverings don't have a thing to do with being PC. If someone asked me about the appropriateness of covered hair, my "PC" response would be, "People should be able to wear whatever they want on their heads." How are wrapped noggins un-PC?

 

I'm lost...maybe this garbage TV is addling my brain :ack2:

 

I suspect people are still trying to process some of the issues that have been raised in other threads (the "secular point of view," "contact with nonbelievers," etc.). If you missed those, you're lucky. I'm not sure I'll ever be as comfortable here after those as I have been in the past.

 

But I really wanted to say that I have the same reaction to the head covering thing. And the courtship thing. And pretty much everything else that people do to express and live out their faith that doesn't hurt others. If covering her head is meaningful to her, she should have the right to do it. It seems to me that standing up for such a right is actually the essence of "PC-ness."

[melissel]

I suspect people are still trying to process some of the issues that have been raised in other threads (the "secular point of view," "contact with nonbelievers," etc.). If you missed those, you're lucky. I'm not sure I'll ever be as comfortable here after those as I have been in the past.

 

But I really wanted to say that I have the same reaction to the head covering thing. And the courtship thing. And pretty much everything else that people do to express and live out their faith that doesn't hurt others. If covering her head is meaningful to her, she should have the right to do it. It seems to me that standing up for such a right is actually the essence of "PC-ness."

 

Oh, I think I see. Thank you for that; I actually did see those (one prompted my own thread), but I didn't make the connection.

 

And yeah, I agree with you. A previous poster is right--"PC-ness" is different things to different people.

[MeanestMomInMidwest]

I am among those who need a definition of "PC"

 

This?

 

Also, PC or p.c. Showing an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. It often involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone, especially with respect to gender, race, or ethnic background. For example, Editors of major papers have sent out numerous directives concerning politically correct language. This expression was born in the late 1900s, and excesses in trying to conform to its philosophy gave rise to humorous parodies.

From politically correct. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Retrieved April 14, 2009, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/politically correct

 

OR This?

 

adj. Abbr. PC

 

 

1. Of, relating to, or supporting broad social, political, and educational change, especially to redress historical injustices in matters such as race, class, gender, and sexual orientation.
   
2. Being or perceived as being overconcerned with such change, often to the exclusion of other matters.
   

politically correct. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved April 14, 2009, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/politically correct

[ravengal]

If being "PC" means exercising tact and civility in conversation, then I am "PC". It is not my right to convert others to my worldview, or to share my convictions without first considering my audience. I am, however, in favor of building relationships with like-minded people.

[LibraryLover]

I suspect people are still trying to process some of the issues that have been raised in other threads (the "secular point of view," "contact with nonbelievers," etc.). If you missed those, you're lucky. I'm not sure I'll ever be as comfortable here after those as I have been in the past.

 

But I really wanted to say that I have the same reaction to the head covering thing. And the courtship thing. And pretty much everything else that people do to express and live out their faith that doesn't hurt others. If covering her head is meaningful to her, she should have the right to do it. It seems to me that standing up for such a right is actually the essence of "PC-ness."

 

 

Ah, there's a back story! lol People, you need to fill us in when you ask these outlier questions!

 

I live where one will not infrequently see men wearing yalmulkes, women wearing wigs, hijabs, or traditional female quaker head coverings (Mennonites seem to frequent thrift stores here, as that is where I mostly meet them...is that not a PC thing to say? lol).

 

It's not considered PC to me; it's just life.

[LaxMom]

At the risk of repeating - as I have not slogged my way through all five preceding pages - "PC" isn't new. It just used to be called "etiquette". And, evidently, etiquette has fallen out of favor so any display of manners is considered "overconcern" with the comfort of others. :glare:

[Marylou]

Since we're enjoying religious topics lately ;) I'll add a PC experience I will never forget. . .

 

It was 9/14/01 and I was in a hotel room in Moscow watching the gathering (it was most definitely not a church service) at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. I'm not exactly sure what the purpose of the gathering was, except maybe in such dire circumstances (9/11) some people felt the need to conduct a religious ceremony.

 

I remember when the hymn "A Mighty Fortress" started to be sung. That is one of my most favorite Christian hymns. I have it memorized. Imagine my surprise when the choir got to verse 2 and left it out completely, skipped it, went right on to verses 3 and 4. Now maybe you can call me cynical, but I believe that it was removed in order to abide by the rules of "political correctness"."Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He".

 

Talk about alienation!

 

It seems like more and more it is acceptable to talk about God/god/goddess/insert other deity here _________, but make sure the name of Jesus isn't uttered. It's not polite, right, kind, politically correct? ETA: I do NOT mean people on these boards! I haven't seen that here.

 

That whole gathering was an abomination to the Lord (but that's fodder for another thread!). I believe it would be better leave things unsaid (or unsung) than to cleverly change words around to change the meaning (and be PC).

 

 

A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevaling.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

 

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabbaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

 

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

 

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever.

Edited April 15, 2009 by dmmosher
clarification

[Jumping In Puddles]

Don't worry, if someone is offended, I am sure they will start a thread about it.:lol:

 

:eek: Well I hope that never happens, I'm rather attached to my avatar. :D

 

Sahamamama, that pastor doesn't need to be PC, he needs to stop being a jerk.

 

To me, being PC means trying to not offend (which isn't really pc, but common decency) but in a way that seems, maybe, over-the-top trying not to hurt someone's feelings.

 

For example, kids today don't "sit Indian Style" they sit "like a pretzel".

 

Now was it really that offensive to Native Americans that students are sitting Indian Style? I consider that PC because sitting Indian style never seemed like an insult to begin with! Now, if we had to sit like "dirty savages" then yes, I think we should be more pc ... errr, I mean more decent and respectful!

 

Or, if children couldn't wear eye patches when they were pretend pirates because it upsets people who have to wear an eye patch for corrective vision reasons? That would be PC and so you see that when I think of PC, I think of it as a bad thing.

 

I think what is happening is people are confusing being PC with general, common, human decency! If someone is fat, you shouldn't ask them if they'd like a dozen doughnuts in place of their salad (not because that wouldn't be PC) but because it is rude and hurtful!

 

Insulting people and then complaining that the world is too PC is just plain wrong.

[Kay in Cal]

At the risk of repeating - as I have not slogged my way through all five preceding pages - "PC" isn't new. It just used to be called "etiquette". And, evidently, etiquette has fallen out of favor so any display of manners is considered "overconcern" with the comfort of others. :glare:

 

:iagree:

 

I consider myself to be straightforward and a truth-teller. But I also strive to be kind. Challenging people to change can be a positive thing, when done lovingly and privately. But there is rarely an excuse for public rudeness, except to achieve what is really a sinful sense of self-righteous gratification.

 

In my experience many people who consider themselves "blunt" are described privately by others as being "mean". Sometimes there truly is mental illness or psychological disability that cause this kind of feeling-blindness. And all of us may wound unintentionally at times. But some people are just habitually obnoxious, and while I may love them in the Christian sense as people, I don't choose to spend my free time with them.

 

Speak the truth in love. But if it isn't loving to speak it, then keep silent when needed. There are many many threads I avoid for just this reason. :001_smile:

[Aggie]

But then that falls in the realm of their response. If I've done my part to live peaceably as far as it lies within me, then their response is seriously their own problem. Not mine, you know? I can't change that. And I can't be much bothered to worry about it unless I've actively taken part in offending someone. (And sometimes if I've offended with careless speech or actions. (I apologize a lot because of that, I'm afraid.))

 

I have enough to worry about managing my own oft-sarcastic tongue! LOL

 

We all walk in the light we are given. And none of us have "arrived" yet. So grace and mercy are in order, I believe.

 

 

Pam, I think you've hit the proverbial nail on the head here.

 

Everyone is entitled to be offended at anything that is said these days. If I am pc, it is *my* responsibility to not offend. Anyone. At any time. Pc has taken personal responsibility and put it on other people's shoulders.

 

It's happened on this board. One person posts that she's offended, and if we are politically correct, we change our position or our posts to make sure she is not offended.

 

We don't have the right to never be offended, imo. I don't even think I have the right to tell someone *I* am offended. (Not that I never have, though:glare:) I may point out that I think they are incorrect or misled. Why should someone not say what they think or believe, even if it's idiotic, just to not offend me? Why are my feelings more important than someone else's right to talk?

 

I think PC has taken politeness and honesty to a different level. And not necessarily a good one.

 

JMO, of course. YMMV, IIRC, ABCDEFG, and all the other disclaimers required now from pc folks.

[kiana]

Donna, I love that translation of "A Mighty Fortress" -- unfortunately, it seems other translations are more popular lately :/

[Desert Rat]

Because it annoys others (tongue in cheek).