[storyspinner70]

I think that the thing most people object to when it comes to being called "pc" is that Politically Correct most often means not saying what you actually want to say because you'll be considered gauche, racist or archaic. It, like most things in our world, has been twisted into a shadow of what it may have started out as.

For example, if you see a child with Down's and it takes effort to not break out the "r" word because you know someone is going to be outraged by that, or you'll LOOK like you're an asshole, but that's the only reason you're whipping out the "differently abled" instead? It's lip service at best, and you're still not addressing the root problem - a child with Down's should just be a child to you like any other. At the core, isn't that disingenuous at best?

And, frankly, in the states anyway, we've become such a litigious society that people have become afraid to say or do things for fear of being sued by someone. Everyone is so eager anymore to be offended, it's becoming impossible to express an opinion without being attacked for it. I have zero problem with that, but people are being cowed into silence because of things like that. And that's never cool.

As for me, I'd rather you look me in the face and say, "Damn, you're a CUNxtTuesday" than to fill my ears with what you think you should say and hate me while you do it. So, I'm a firm advocate for using the politically correct terms, but you're a hypocrite to do it just because you feel you need to not to look like an asshole with no concept of what the foundation of being PC is really about.

Speaking of assholes, Trump isn't being some champion for truth and honesty when he spouts his nonsense freely in the name of "banishing political correctness". He's just doing what is his right - saying whatever he wants whenever he wants to. Dust off the extremely thin layer of righteousness, and he's still just an asshole with a ton of money and the freedom of speech we all enjoy.

So, really, for me...be PC if you want...be outrageous if you want...but be genuine. Be real. Let the chips fall where they may, but be you.


Oh and Grainne, you are very correct, that quote was never Voltaire, but Evelyn Beatrice Hall (as Stephen G. Tallentyre) writing about Voltaire's purported attitude.