General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: If you are the member of a privileged group AND call yourself progressive [View all]ChaoticTrilby
(211 posts)And I am rather wary of such things. I've noticed that it's shockingly easy to sound hypocritical at times.
Ah, Stephen Fry. Always very quote-able, and not just because of that voice. While I agree that saying "that's offensive" can come off as whiny, I understand the reasoning behind it - when offensive statements about marginalized groups aren't called out for what they are, people (including yours truly, I'll admit) worry that such behavior will become even more ingrained into the public consciousness. This was why people have demonized "the n-word" and other such slurs - they were acceptable in a time when racism was also acceptable. The idea that such words are no longer allowed in polite company is meant to indicate that we have moved on, to some extent.
We haven't entirely, but it's nice to act like we have.
In any case, that's the major reason behind the Super-PC attitudes that float about on and offline. It's often assumed that, if nobody points out that the words are wrong (Politically Incorrect, anyway,) then the behaviors (which are always) wrong) will follow. Thoughts lead to words, words to actions, actions to habits, habits to destiny, and all that. And then, we'll go backwards. So, you can see why we have the PC-Police around. In an odd sort of way, we kind've need them, if only so that discussion is stirred up on the matter.
To be perfectly honest, I'm not big on putting "trigger warnings" for everything. If I were, my posts would be half trigger warnings, half actual content. Trigger warnings for rape and other traumatic experiences are generally what I stick to. So, I definitely understand not knowing what will upset everyone and mostly trying to just stick to not being a jerk-face. It's nearly impossible to keep from offending anyone, so I can't blame you for just doing your best with what you can - in fact, I thank you for doing so. Some people really don't even try and just throw out slurs and ass-hole statements like they're confetti at a Birthday party (ala Limbaugh.)