Did I offend you?
The chief diversity officer (we really have one of those) in the US State Department published an article in State Magazine warning readers that some commonly used phrases might be offensive to audiences.
John Robinson suggests that ‘Hold the fort” might offend Native Americans. What if the fort is in Europe? There are a lot of famous ones there. Even if one accepts his reasoning, does the vernacular usage of a phrase mandate continuance of whatever etymological prejudice spawned it? For example, according to Robinson, “rule of thumb” was originally used to gauge acceptability of bruises left on a woman by her husband. Its been some time since America outlawed wife beating. Is there anyone who now connects the “rule of thumb” to spousal abuse?
After reading the comments and spending a good deal of time pondering the vagaries of his verbiage, I feel compelled to say something to Mr. Robinson.
Bite your tongue (on wait, that might offend epileptics)
Hold your horses (possibly offensive to antiphilipaphiles?)
Hold your taters (my mom always used this one, but maybe she we belittling the Irish)
Cease and desist (too militaristic)
86 that (oops, can’t offend the octogenarians among us)
Oh well, I suppose we will have to leave Mr. Robinson’s words as they are.
Words do carry meaning. According to Jesus, what we say reflects the true intent of our heart. That being said, I for one remain perplexed by the linguistic gymnastics of government bureaucracy in their attempt to not offend even the tiniest of minorities; when they seem to have no compunction regarding the blasphemous belching belittling and berating believers simply because they dare to bow before a benevolent benefactor and speak the name of God.
Comment
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Comment by Anne Flowers Whipple on September 2, 2012 at 4:44pm -
Grow up Mr Robinson
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Comment by Phil Whitaker on September 2, 2012 at 7:14am -
With your permission Barbara, I suggest that the choice of our words, and the tone of our speech is reflective of the motives of our heart. With that in mind, remember that the Democrat agenda is to get re-elected, and they know a lot of people disagree with their socialist leanings. Therefore they have to balance they commitment to "diversity" with what is a populist mindset. I agree there will be displays of faith, but I predict two things about those displays. First, they will be "inclusive" to a fault. There will be an overt effort to equalize all religious belief. Secondly, Christianity will not be the first presented, and it will be relegated to times of lower viewership. I believe this because of the demographic the democrats have to reach. They have to reach out to extreme progressives for funding, and at the same time they have to connect with average people for votes. Their problem, in my view is that progressive thought by its natures moves further left. Traditional thought remains fixed in truth. This creates an increasing tension between the two, and at some point, unless the one moving changes in order to prevent it, the connections will break and the one without foundation will fall. I agree with you that we will see religious displays at the upcoming DNC; but as I always caution people, listen to what they say, but even more, listen for what they do NOT say. In that silence, you will find the truth.
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Comment by Barbara Jean Puszert on September 1, 2012 at 2:04am
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OH yes Kate! I would be willing to bet tthat God will be very prominent at their convention. After all its the Bible belt around these parts. They will be all about God and country, our military and Mom's apple pie, anything they can make anyone believe to garner votes
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Comment by Kate Bowe on September 1, 2012 at 1:21am
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But God forbid that we offend the precious muslims in this country. (errrrrrrrrr yuck)
This is why those great people, that hate the west by the way, are going to be represented at the DNC.
We have treated them soooo bad. Boo Hoo, they feel so mistreated here in America.
Man, I hope it turns out to be a disaster at their convention.
Do you think we will see mention of God, the pledge to our flag, or the anthem sung?
It makes you appreciate the RNC.
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Comment by Ree Belinskey on August 31, 2012 at 11:54pm
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Mr. Whitaker, your response to MUG was priceless! Absolutely the cat's meow - (I am not a cat lover, so I don't care if I offend them)!!!!!
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Comment by Linny Redd on August 31, 2012 at 9:50pm
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Well-said!!!
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Comment by Phil Whitaker on August 31, 2012 at 8:03pm
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I appreciate all the comments. I can see this story hit a nerve (dare I say that if I am not a neurologist?) Oh well, I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night. I encourage others to use thoughtful, expressive language, and try not to sucome to the tempation to grovel in the rhetorical mire. I believe that our founders were masters of the language and used it consistently to bring reason to bear in the face of tyranny. This battle we are in is not about personality, it is about principles. Let us endeavor to elevate the coversation whenever we can.
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Comment by Phil Whitaker on August 31, 2012 at 7:53pm
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To MUG. A question from the religious right if you don't mind. Which bothers you more, the fact that we're religious, or the fact that we're right?
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Comment by J.w. Saret on August 31, 2012 at 7:14pm
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rule by the person with the weakest stomach and the rawest nerves. when ever they bring this sort of thing up at work I immediately become offended if anyone mentions any sort of sports, hunting and or fishing. It never lasts long and I go back to speculating if the 2nd amendment would let me wear a hunting knife or pistol on the workroom floor.
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Comment by Joyce Foster-Konya on August 31, 2012 at 4:40pm
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We are too buried and sensitive to Political Correctness! If it was the Politians that invented the word...then you can forget it. We are their bosses....they say and do as we tell them. Let's scrap the words and get back to basics.
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