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Originally Posted by Strange Famous
I do understand what the word "retard" means, and I do believe that many people would find it offensive to be described in that way, or for a loved one to be described in that way.
That the term "man" is used to encompass man and women is in itself sexist. Language constantly changes, and certainly should be changed if it is offensive. Many words relating to race and ethnicity were acceptable 100 years ago that are deeply offensive today - this is how language changes.
I certainly dont propose to legally forbid you from using any word unless it is hate speech or inciting violence, but what we do propose, is that the education system, the language of the state be appropriate and politically correct.
If you want to refer to mankind, no one is going to stop you. If - for example - a government form including something like "the person filling this in must confirm if he is employed" that is clearly unacceptable and should be changed. At school, children should be taught to use terms which do not cause offense and which communicate intention in a way that is inclusive and egaliterian. If a school text book gives examples of human interaction and all the examples include white males, this is wrong, and should be changed, because it excludes minority groups and women... this is what we mean by political correctness.
It is not about forbidding free speech, it is about education and shaping language in a way that is appropriate. It is as easy to say "chairperson" as "chairmen" ... so why should we chose to use a sexist word, in favour of a word that is gender neutral?
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To begin with;
If you don't like the word "retard"...to fucking bad. I don't like the word "the" you are never allowed to say when I am around. Once again, if you don't like it, don't listen, or leave. People have the freedom of speech, if you start impending speech based on what "offends" or basically, hurts someones feelings, then that is going to get way out of hand, really fast. Almost like someone being called a racist for asking for BLACK COFFEE! but that would NEVER happen, would it.......oh...wait...
Secondly, yes, language does change, but the ROOTS of words do NOT change. Incase you forget, language has to be based on something, every language in the world has "masculine" and "feminine" words. Do you want to change that as well? Once again, if you don't like the words I use, thats great, don't listen. But do NOT try and push what you think on me.
Third, "hate" speech is the biggest load of bullshit i've ever heard. If you're going to outlaw that, then you better not allow any rap concerts,you better make a new ammedment to the constitution, taking away the right to assemble, and the freedom of speech. EVERY US citizen has the right to say what he or she so desires. I have seen KKK rallies, and I've seen a gay parade, i've seen Neo Nazi's march, and i've seen the black panthers march. I've been present during anti war demonstrations, and i've seen people picket and stike. I've seen people march on abortion clinics, and porn shops. NONE of those people were in the wrong. They all have the right to say what they want, think what they want, and assemble where they want. Once again if you don't like it TO BAD. DON'T LISTEN. Noone forces you to. You have a CHOICE.
Your fourth paragraph is just...wow. First off, not EVERYTHING has to be a multicultural, happy go lucky, all inclusive outlook of the world. It's OK for a TV show to have an all white cast, it's OK for a picture to just have 3 black people in it. Its OK, not EVERYTHING has to be a totally PC thing. You need to realize that in reality, noone really gives a shit about being PC.
And your "shaping" of the language to how you see fit disgusts me. "Chairmen" is a perfectly suitable term. You have to look at the ROOTS of words.
"Woman"
"Man"
Not "Woperson". Get realistic, its our language, and not everything has to be gender neutral. There is something to be said about not changing everything, to please the easily offended few.