Showing posts with label political correctness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label political correctness. Show all posts
Fort Hood Muslim Army MD being investigated as a terrorist
Major Nidal Malik Hasan recuperates from the gunshot wounds inflicted to stop him form his shooting rampage at Fort Hood Military Base. The medical army officer is being investigated for terrorism. Operatives are trying to know if he has deep ties with radical groups espousing violence and mayhem in the Western world.
The 39–year old unmarried gunman took the lives of 13 fellow soldiers and injured 30 innocent victims. Relatives and friends pointed to Hasan as a benign peaceful man with no criminal records. But others saw him as a troubled medical professional with religious fanatical views who was upset of being deployed to Afghanistan. The vicious killer shouted “Allahu Akhbar” (God is Great,) a signature battlecry of militant Muslim suicide bombers.
Later inquiries suggested that Hasan was a devout Muslim who talked stridently against the war. He believed Muslims are justified to rise against aggressors like the Americans. Born and raised in Virginia, he went to in Dar-al-Hijrah mosque in Virginia, a worship house led by a radical Muslim preacher said to be a "spiritual adviser" to three of the hijackers who attacked the United States on Sept 11, 2001. Hasan has great respect for Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born Yemeni imam accused of supporting terrorist organisations including Al-Qaeda.
These emerging clues raised the need to dig deeper into Hasan’s background. Exercising political correctness, civilian and military authorities seemed slow and hesitant to explore the terrorist angle, but this needed to change quick to protect America.
Endorsing a thorough investigation, Sen. Joe Lieberman talked of his suspicions that a terrorist link is possible given Hasan’s story. The Obama administration had been criticized for not giving enough focus on the tragedy that befell men and women in the service of the country.
For fear of a backlash among the radical Islamists, authorities preferred to think the attack was a criminal event rather than an attack of a terrorist. Those in denial had the tendency to push key questions under the rug. Part of a feeling of dread and tendency to accommodate, they were dismissive of violent people in the ranks of Muslims. They seemed unprepared to accept the truth that terrorists had entered in US soil. (Photo Credit: Telegraph.co.uk) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Army major massacres 11 and injures 31 people in Fort Hood, Texas" Posted by mesiamd at 11/06/2009
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GMA comes to Cory Aquino's wake
There was the necessity and perhaps the obligation. She needed to come for the wake of Pres. Cory Aquino. Against the discomfort of raised eyebrows and snide remarks, maybe, that's what Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo felt. After she arrived with her entourage on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from her trip in the United States, she hastily went to Manila Cathedral at about 3:30 early morning to view Cory’s remains and condoled with the bereaved family. Days before, to honor the dead ex-president, she declared a 10-day national mourning.
The visit was politically charged. Accusing her of rigging the election, Arroyo was asked by Cory Aquino to resign at the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal. As far as the public can tell, it was a wound in both women's back which needed repair.
Despite irritations, GMA was politely welcomed by Cory’s son Noynoy Aquino and briefly, she stayed after a quick prayer in front of the bier. She only stayed for about 7 minutes.
Reports said, the president’s short visit interrupted public the viewing of Cory's huge adoring crowd. With other unspecified reasons, Arroyo's decision to come and leave early was more to give time for people in long lines to see Cory’s remains as the interment drew near.(Photo Credit: justgivemepeace) =0=
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Race-relation in the White House: mending the “stupid” comment of Pres. Barack Obama
As a photo-op to mend the racial controversy sparked by Barack Obama’s siding with his friend, the black Harvard professor Henry Lewis Gates, Jr, the White House welcomed the two warring personalities----Cambridge police officer Sgt. James Crowley who was accused by Obama to have acted “stupidly” in arresting Professor Gates. The teacher was rowdy, belligerent and angry after being asked to produce an ID, prompting Crowley to arrest him..
Sgt. Crowley went to Gates’ house in response to an alleged break-in the latter’s residence. He found the black teacher suspecting the white police officer of “racially profiling” him. In truth, Crowley was just there to help.
The supposedly educated black Harvard mentor escalated the simple situation by raising a race issue----something he professed to be an “expert” of. Many viewed this case as a “Do you know who I am?” kind of thing by a teacher known to Obama which brought the incident to national attention.
In the White House on Thursday, July 30, 2009 Crowley and Gates got time with Obama. They talked and tried to mend fences over a drink of beer.
What resulted was an embarrassment for Obama who joined the controversy by siding with Gates without first knowing the facts. So they had to meet in the South Lawn of the presidential house, most likely to minimize the negative backlash. There were criticisms against the president from the police force nationwide for his “uncalibrated” comment against the police officer.
In simple terms, I believe, Obama didn’t have to meet the two in the White House. He has more important national issues to tackle. Instead of trying to deflect the real issue from himself and his black friend, he could just have apologized for a mistake----a racial bias (a Freudian slip of sorts) he expressed against Crowley. The public is smart to understand. (Photo Credit: CBS/ AFP/ Saul Loeb) =0=
RELATED BLOG: Obama backtracks from “stupid” statement against a white Cambridge police officer Posted by mesiamd at 7/27/2009
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Obama backtracks from “stupid” statement against a white Cambridge police officer
Without knowing the circumstances between in the altercation between a white police officer and a black Harvard professor, Pres. Barack Obama, jumped in siding with the black professor----only to learn later he should know better. The police officer wasn’t stupid and he was just doing his job.
Sgt. James Crowley, the police officer responding to a break-in report in the home of Harvard teacher Henry Louis Gates Jr. found himself dealing with a belligerent acidic professor who didn’t want to show his identification. It boiled down to Gates’ unfounded paranoid suspicion that he is being “racially profiled’ by Crowley.
Pres. Barack Obama who is a friend of Prof. Gates reacted quick without knowing the facts:
"I think it's fair to say, number one, any of us would be pretty angry," Obama said. "Number two, that the Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof that they were in their own home. And number three -- what I think we know separate and apart from this incident -- is that there is a long history in this country of African-Americans and Latinos being stopped by law enforcement disproportionately, and that's just a fact."---http://wb.tv (07/23/09,
In truth, the Cambridge police officer was there to help black teacher----but Gates probably expected that people like Crowley should first know him because he is a “Harvard professor(?)”. Call it hubris in the academe's ivory tower, a demand for respect or an overreaction, but in the police report, Gates was described as tumultuous, uncooperative, and upset.
It is disgusting that this happens in America on people who are supposedly educated. This kind of “Do you know me?” challenge by people of influence and arrogance commonly occurs on simple folks who need to deal with the “VIP’s” like fragile porcelains. Self-importance and inappropriate reaction are most likely operant here.
People like Gates are absorbed in their self-awareness and that a simple showing of identification to a police officer becomes a race issue or a contention to start an argument. The black professor is said to be an “expert” on racism---and in my opinion he has carried his expertise too far.
I am amazed, a US president went down so low to quickly comment erroneously on an issue that is parochial and least deserving of his attention. This split second decision to defend a friend by the president offers clues on what goes on the way he thinks of race relations. Is the preferential option for friends becoming common in the Obama administration?
As a consequence of Obama’s rushed response, he has to patch up,---short of an apology, admitting that he could have used a "calibrated" response. He is correct that the police disproportionately arrest blacks and hispanics more than other races. The reason is obvious--- Blacks and Hispanics have high rates of criminality than other races.
Sgt. Crowley could have over-reacted in arresting this black teacher, but the officer isn’t pleased by the president’s partisan reaction---and so are his colleagues in the police force who try to do their duty as officers. The irony of it all, Crowley, in his career, has been a resource person on avoiding "racial profiling" and in the past, tried to revive a black guy in an emergency, by mouth to mouth resuscitation. (PHoto Credit: WBZ.com) =0=
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Gov. Sarah Palin withdraws from governorship of Alaska
Sarah Palin, the lightning rod of political intrigues since she run for vice-presidency in the last election announced that she was stepping down as Alaska governor to avoid being a “lameduck’ public official. In a press conference in her hometown in Wasilla, Alaska, Palin said she will not seek re-election. Instead, she will devote time in private life---a decision she planned way before because she wanted to work and support a variety of unspecified political causes. In July 26, 2009, she will turn over her duties to Lt.-Gov. Sean Parnell.
The upbeat and articulate governor spoke of the culture of hate and personal destruction which she experienced on the hands of her political opponents and the bias media. Soon after she ran for vice-presidency a team of political manipulators came down to Alaska to dig dirt about her---too rapacious and unfair to even drag her innocent children to the political discussions in order to discredit her. Many of the innuendoes about her family had been unworthy of serious consideration.
A total of 15 frivolous ethics accusations against Palin by her political opponents were lodged at the expense of taxpayers’ money which all turned out to be in her favor. According to her, to defend herself on those baseless accusations, she had to uselessly spend half a million dollars which could have paid for meaningful espenses.
Money expended to discredit Palin could have helped pay for salaries of government workers. The nonsensical and wasteful effort which defamed individuals like her exposed a new breed of Americans who harbor self-deluding "moral rectitude" that frustrate the public.
With Palin's popularity and potential to be a presidential candidate in the next election, the good-looking former beauty queen which makes the Democratic Party uneasy do not lack criticisms from her harsh detractors. In spite of being a strong woman and conservative mother, she had been unjustly reviled as an "empty shell" in spite of her remarkable public record as governor of Alaska which didn't pale with the track record of Pres. Barack Obama.
A Republican bet against the questionable Obama administration, many speculate her decision to withdraw from governorship is a step towards her plan to run in the next presidential election. (Photo Credit: Infacinatorin) =0=
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Barbara Boxer’s narcissistic request from a military general---“ Please, call me senator!”
I only knew of US Sen. Barbara Boxer (Democrat-CA) when she complained to General Michael Walsh of the US Army Corps of Engineers to stop addressing her as “ma’am.” She demanded to be called “senator.” According to her "she worked so hard for earn that title." Hmmm.
In the military lingo, "ma'am," and "sir" had been time-tested addresses that express respect. Gen. Walsh replied “ma’am” to one of Boxer's questions during a hearing in Capitol Hill on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. The general didn’t mean any insult, disrespect or usurpaton of rank, but Boxer wasn't happy:
"You know, do me a favor," Boxer told the general.
"Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am?'"
"Yes, ma'am," Gen. Walsh answered.
“It's just a thing, I worked so hard to get that title, so I'd appreciate it, yes, thank you," she said.
"Yes, senator," he responded.
Sen. Boxer’s words were not totally unexpected. It seemed few people were aware of what she represented as a person and as a politician. Perhaps on the verge of melancholia or for lack of esteem, she might have inwardly fallen to crave for self-importance. She is the chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Not so many remember the California senator who voted against a resolution condemning MoveOn.org, a political group questioning Gen. David Petraeus patriotism--- negating his admirable military leadership in the stabilizing Iraq.
For sure, our military servicemen like Generals Petraeus and Walsh deserve respect. They must not be subjected to the arrogant narcissistic condescension of elected officials like Boxer. The woman seems too touchy to be out of climacterium. She can have problems that the public doesn't know.
Government officials must serve the people to the best of their ability. Never should they act like dysmature prima donnas who remind us of foul eggs in public service that bring bad example to our nation. (Photo Credit: http://boxer.senate.gov/) =0=
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David Letterman vs. Gov. Sarah Palin: Jokes in bad taste and an "epidemic" of (in)sincere apologies?
When Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo was caught in an foul phone call in the “Hello Garci” case, she had no choice but to apologize to the Filipino people. When the seemingly straight arrow US Senator Tom Daschle was found to have evaded taxes during a background check, he apologized to the Americans.
Many followed through with their own mea culpas for certain wrong-doings. Bernard Madoff did so for defrauding his trusting clients of $65 billion in his Ponzi scheme. Dr. Hayden Kho was “remorseful” for spreading his scandalous sex videos which humiliated his girl friends and insulted the medical profession.
Now it’s late-night comedian David Letterman’s turn to apologize for making fun of Gov. Sarah Palin and her family. Letterman, the 62 year-old ageing laughbag who should know better, made some sexual jokes on Willow, one of Palin’s underaged chidren of having to fend off Eliot Spitzer (a sexual problem) and getting raped by Yankees sportsman Alex Rodriguez during a New York visit.
The joke relates to the hateful and long-standing rough handling of Palin who espouses conservative beliefs on pre-marital sex---obviously her freedom to do so being in America.
After offending people, which of these public apologies are real? Where is the sincerity? In spite of the outrage from tolerant people, why is the mainstream media, TV, and cause-oriented groups silent of the mockery of the Palins?
The conservative family from Alaska was offended and issued a statement which was quickly answered with a lot of back-hand humor by Letterman to the delight of his fans. Had Gov. Sarah Palin never run for vice-president during the last election, her family could have been left alone. For her conservative views, the governor of Alaska had been a target of unfair "minding" by secular individuals who don't agree with her opinion.
It looks like USA is degenerating into a warped society whose beneficient culture is going down the drain. At the expense fairness and in the guise of humor, some people like Letterman have become insensitive. Mockery seems in vogue for certain people, but off-limits to others like Pres. Barack Obama's children.
Political correctness takes a double standard. For those who watched Letterman “apologize” in camera, many are struck by the (in)sincerity and appalled by the hideousness of his jokes. (Photo Credit: gettyimages/ Fame/ Extracomposite; http: extratv.warnerbros.) =0=
UPDATE: June 16, 2009--- Amidst vociferous protests and criticisms versus David Letterman, the late night comedian apologized to Gov. Sarah Palin and her family. Letterman said for a joke that was wrong. Gov. Palin who protested that such joke was degrading to women----encouraged disrespect and exploitation of to certain group of people, accepted the apology.
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Alec Baldwin’s racist remark draws ire from Filipinos
It’s probably said in jest when American actor Alec Baldwin, a 51-year old divorcee remarked of having a Filipino mail-order bride. In the Late Show of David Letterman on May 12, the former husband of Kim Bassinger said, “I think about getting a Filipino mail order bride at this point or a Russian one. I don’t care, I’m 51.”
It seems to be a little issue. But the comment drew anger from Filipinos who have been maligned before, the most recent was HK columnist Chip Tsao saying that Filipinos are a nation of maids. Lawmaker Risa Hontiveros and Jean Enriquez, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women-Asia Pacific were vocal in condemning Baldwin’s remarks.
They have reasons to be mad because the trafficking of women from the Philippines (many as mail-order brides,) has been one of the saddest facets in the lives of exploited people worldwide. In the Philipines alone, it is estimated that a staggering number of Filipino women and children, numbering between 20,000 and 100,000, are victimized by human smuggling.
In Baldwin's book "A promise to ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood and Divorce," the actor with co-author Mark Tabb (Martin Press, 224 pages) tells of a stormy divorce and his experience of having to deal with “parental alienation syndrome”--- digging into what is wrong with the divorce system in America. By writing the book, he seems someone who can be taken seriously.
But by joking on Filipinas and the Russians, he exposed his ignorance and insensitivity. He trivialized the suffering of impoverished people he doesn't know---those forced into marriage to strangers under very difficult circumstances. (Photo Credit: ctv.ca) =0=
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Miss California retains her crown as she affirms her belief that marriage is between a man and a woman
It was disappointing for the people who want to demolish her. Carrie Prejean, current Miss California stirred a fire storm when she expressed her deeply held belief that marriage is between a Mary and John, not between Pierre and Peter or Laura and Lally.
Exercising her opinion at 2009 Miss USA pageant three weeks ago, Prejean angered a contest judge who didn't agree---preventing her from winning the beauty title. Her critics, mostly rabid supporters of same-sex marriage agenda want to punish her further by working to strip her of the Miss California title. But most of America believes she didn't do anything wrong in expressing herself. An overwhelming majority who supports her recalled she didn't mean to hurt anyone when she answered from her heart.
Today, Donald Trump, owner of the franchise of the beauty pageants and playing the referee ruled that Carrie must be allowed to be Miss California. In a reaction speech the fiesty beauty queen repeated her commitment to say what she believes in---that marriage is between consenting couples of the opposite sex. Raising her Christian faith, the stunning lady reminded the public even liberal and secular democrats like Pres. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton share the same conservative view.(Photo Credit: Eric Jamison/ AP) =0=
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Miss USA finalist graciously defends her anti-gay marriage position
Expressing the sentiment of majority of Californians and Americans, Miss California Carrie Prejean who placed second in the recently concluded Miss USA pageant, reiterated her bible-based belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. She made it clear she won't choose the dictates of political correctness and compromise her belief just to win a beauty contest.
The scintillating and outstandingly pretty beauty contestant clearly explained her position gaining her more respect and adulation from TV audiences who watched her clarify the controversy. She said she had no regrets having to express her long-held belief because she thought that was the right thing to do. =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?" Posted by mesiamd at 4/21/2009
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Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?
When Miss California Carrie Prejean was asked about her thoughts on same-sex marriage, she quickly shared her opinion which many believed was excellent--- an answer that came direct from her heart and mind.
“We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."
But according to reports, her answer to the question and answer portion of the contest angered an openly gay pageant judge because it wasn’t politically correct---it didn’t conform to the progressive liberal political agenda that he wants others to espouse. Her conservative innocuous comment against same-sex unions probably caused Ms. Prejean to lose the Miss USA title to another gorgeous lady, Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton.
Many questioned why the politically charged question was ever asked at all. Or why it should matter when in America, everyone is entitled to each one’s opinion. Others believe that if a person goes for traditional marriage---that which is contracted between a man and woman--- one is a bigot, a racist, and homophobe. Gay marital unions entail a redefinition of marriage and run contradictory to religious beliefs.
Miss California got praise and respect for her honest answer. Some snide remarks against the first runner-up are mostly undeserved. The controversial question intended to advance political agenda must have no place in a beauty pageant. The assault on traditional values which serve as the foundation of families and strength of society make people wonder where the American culture is heading. (Photo Credit: AP/ Eric Jamison x 2) =0=
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Burger King withdraws ad which Mexicans find racially offensive
Barely a month of bashing by the Hongkong magazine columnist Chip Tsao who insulted Filipinos as a "nation of servants," the giant fast food chain Burger King has to apologize for its new hamburger ad released in Europe. It featured a tall lanky red-shirted American cowboy and a pudgy guy of diminutive stature wearing the Mexican flag in an advertisement. The commercial comes as a poster with a corresponding TV clip which has stirred the ire of Mexicans who threaten to take legal action.
Mexico’s ambassador to Spain Jorge Zermeño took offense on the poster which he said showed an erroneous and demeaning stereotype of Mexicans. The controversial ad introduced the hamburger “Texican whooper” using the Mexican flag inappropriately.
In a response to the complaint, Burger King wrote a letter to the ambassador saying the food company didn’t mean any harm to the Mexicans, but nonetheless, the food company apologized. Burger King promised to remove the derogatory commercial.
The move to get over the issue quickly by issuing an apology and withdrawing the commercial must be the most logical thing to do. There have been some instances of demeaning portrayals of a group of people which show racist tendencies in others. Putting Burger King on notice about the laws against desecration of the national symbols such as the Mexican flag sends a message of the need for respect.(Photo Credit; NY Daily News; ER M@rshall) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Hongkong’s Chip Tsao & his cheap racial slur against Filipinos" posted by mesiamd at 3/31/2009
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Finding the right term for the global war on terror
The Obama administration wants to retire the phrase “global war on terror” and replace it with “overseas contingency operation”—- This is political correctness pushed by critics who think the old term used by Pres. George W. Bush “justifies human rights abuses including detention and interrogation methods.”
In a directive to administrators and speechwriters, the Obama government seeks to avoid terms like “long war” and “war on terror.” Not everyone supports this fancy recommendation though. Those who know that “a spade is a spade” dismiss this as a wimpy change which lessens the real threat posed by terrorists.
Americans cannot protect themselves by "softening" the terminologies of war. It is dangerous to assume that their enemies will be kind to them by such naive gesture. (Photo Credit: MrMoonKe88; lonesome:cycler) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rebuffs Obama’s peace message" Posted by mesiamd at 3/22/2009
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Cory’s EDSA II apology opens controversies & distrust among Filipinos
Calling the EDSA II revolution a mistake, Corazon (Cory) Aquino, one of the leaders of the movement which ousted former Pres. Joseph (Erap) Estrada from power has brought the nation into new controversies. The sudden confession of the ailing former president opened wounds--- sowing confusion among doubting Filipinos who bewailed the endemic poor leadership in the national government.
Rather than bridging the often-repeated "reconciliation” among warring political parties, the demure housewife and former chief executive unwittingly exposed the short-sightedness and immaturity of leaders who stood as huge obstacles to the progress of the country. There were those who surmised if cancer and treatment had put her on tremendous strain; her ability to think sanely as before might have taken a beating.
As a devout practitioner of Catholicism, the former president who’s trying to define her legacy as an infuential public servant may have scored high on matters of faith, but she has placed the people in a void of uncertainty whose damage is too early to quantify. The effects are likely to cause lasting shockwaves on how politics will be played in government affairs like the next presidential election. They will cut across the way people will view what is morally right and wrong as they rule over the scandals that see no end.
By seeking Estrada’s forgiveness, Cory repudiated the collective action of her party and those who pushed for an end of blatant thievery, corruption and ineptness during and after Estrada’s administration. The damning evidence of incompetence and plunder laid bare during the 6 years of trial reduced the public to docility and silent acquiescence---- a treacherous problem of Filipinos no wanted to touch.
Like a modern-day soap opera, Estrada’s dizzying legal battle and his privileged imprisonment shown in TVs, radios, and newspapers ended in a conviction hailed by the people. But it was quickly reversed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA)--- herself, a sore symbol of almost all things that had gone wrong with the country. Many believed GMA, the current prexy with an outrageously low approval rating of negative (-30) cleverly pardoned Estrada for political convenience. It was unclear though whether Cory's apology to Estrada was linked to her frustraion over GMA's mishandling the government. Cory called on her to resign amidst uncurbed corruption as the wagons of Estrada's political come-back had rolled in from the first station. Because of Cory’s change of heart, there are deepening doubts on whether Filipino leaders are up for the job of steering the country to better times. In spite of the early justifications and defense for the widow of Benigno (Ninoy) Aquino, her position strengthens the chance of the come-back of the Estrada and his "weather-weather" gang. The Filipinos are left in an impasse: Wala na ba talagang ibang mga magagaling at matitino?
The demoralizing effect of Cory’s declaration puts the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) leadership, a staunch supporter of EDSA II on the defensive. It revives anew the questions on church-state separation and the constitutionality of the power take-overs which left a serious lingering leadership vacuum in all political fronts. Most of all, it irreparably damaged the Cory brand of uprightness and wisdom she shared with her martyred husband Ninoy Aquino, leaving Filipinos one less of a person to trust and emulate. (Photo Credits: Joe Galvez; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21; gmaresign; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21)=0=
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Halloween Hangover
For most of us, the celebration of Halloween almost always means fun. The tradition of trick-a-treat, witches, kapre, goblins, ti-anak, jack o’ lantern, bonfires, costume parties, horror movies, and parades has become ever more popular. For the most part, the merriment goes without a hitch.
For Alex Woinksi however, this year’s holiday is different. Donning a crown of thorns and a costume to simulate Jesus Christ, the teenager was forced to go home early from the West Brook Middle School Halloween Celebration in Paramus, New Jersey. That's upon the advice of his school principal.
It’s the old familiar question about freedom of expression versus the sensitivity and respect towards religion. Liberal society doesn’t see anything wrong with Jesus being impersonated in a pagan celebration like Halloween.
Many accept to see the holy Messiah reviled. He has been depicted as a frog pinned on the cross, prostitute-lover, a homosexual, and a loser immersed in bottle of urine, His mother Mary was "artistically" painted with horse dung---far outrageous than Woinski’s bland JC costume. Liberals and free thinkers justify these indignities as legitimate artsy self-expressions in synch with democratic rights in a modern society.
But those who don’t agree ask about respect over religious beliefs. They know some members of society recklessly push aside sensibility. Can anyone forget the rampage of killings provoked by depicting prophet Mohammed in cartoons published in a Danish newspaper? Does anyone notice how westerners are cowed to repeat the same “sacrilege” towards Islam?
The liberal-secularist point of view seems to play here again. About 75% of respondents in an informal AOL online survey opined it was OK for Woinski to wear the Jesus attire. Many didn’t believe that the costume was offensive to some students. The double-standard people have towards religion and the inconsistency of exercising political correctness make what is right or wrong, relative and contentious. (Photo Credits: Wonksi Family-AOL; pioscor; bcompetent; SD; rewritable) =0=
Banning the words “Muslim” & “Christians” in the media lexicon: ultra-sensitivity & the desire to sanitize reality
The Philippines seems to have joined the bandwagon of onion-skinned nations who give lots of thought on words that are otherwise innocuous. Per se, I don’t see anything wrong in using “Muslim” or “Christian” to describe a person, whether he is a criminal or saint. Adjectives make descriptions clear. If one calls a “dirty spade a dirty spade,” then that’s the honest truth. Regardless of whether the spade is sleek clean or dirty, it is objectivity that we desire in communication. Sometimes reality does bite. Risking of minor abrasion, I believe it is better to articulate truth than be restricted from using words that could be helpful in understanding.
The Philippine House Bill 100, now on its way to its third and final reading in congress, proposes to prohibit the use of “Muslim” and “Christian” or any word that indicates religious, regional, or ethnic affiliation. Violators (i.e. newspaper editors using "Muslim terrorists" to describe a convict) are threatened by a hefty fine of P50,000.
Authored by Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara with Reps. Pangalian Balindong, Arnulfo Go, Luzviminda Ilagan, Bienvenido Abante, Justin SB Chipeco, Yusop Jikiri, Raul del Mar and Neptali Gonzales, this bill shows how political correctness has crept into our brain like a neuron-gobbling worm. Why have they become wimpy in describing reality?
The "criminalizaton" of specific words in our media lexicon can be a new road to curtail our basic right for free speech. It is an attempt to sanitize reality and reprogram our way of thinking---perhaps to make as feel good that we don’t offend any religious groups including those who want to harm us--- even if nasty, libelous, and more vitriolic words are hurled on us in the media everyday. However good-intentioned these congressmen are, they better be specific with the words they want banned. For fairness and balance, it will serve them well to consider adding more negatively charged words in their list such "discriminatory" terms as lesbian, homosexual, mentally retarded, old, disabled, illiterate, obese etc.
Our legislators say the words “Muslim” and “Christian” create “a sweeping generalization on other members of the race, culture or region” when the words are used to describe a suspect or convict. I don’t think this is true. I believe our rational mind doesn’t think this way, unless certain neutral words are accompanied by qualifying statements that lead to a particular derogatory generalization. The bill's stand seems distorted by its own tunnel-vision. There is the desire for political correctness and perhaps an inclination for approval. There is that unexpressed subliminal paranoia that we might want to cast away.
As long as “brandings” only refer to the criminals or suspects, those who are unintentionally linked with them by religious or ethnic associations need not worry. It isn't the media's fault. The people who make unfounded generalizations and make unfair conclusions are the ones who are culpable. Guilt by association without evidence is often debunked and doesn’t hold credibility in intelligent news reporting. Our legislators must be mature to understand this.
Congressmen may want this House Bill No. 100 like a comfort Barbie doll for all, but they fail to see that many Filipinos are fair, highly discerning, less paranoid, more considerate, and smarter than they think. Rooting for political correctness and becoming hypocritical in the process, at the expense of truth, is not the way to bring peace in the world. It only adds up to the cumbersome double talk that we are too tired of hearing. In spite of our frailties, let us try to work together to build a more honest world. (Photo Credit: VanLuchi; CiudadanoPoeta)=0=
Frog on the cross: insensitivity that they can’t do to the Moslems
In an environment of rising religious insensitivity, intolerance and persecution, a museum in northern Italy approved the display of a frog on a cross, the sacred symbol of suffering and redemption among Christians. (Photo Credit: AP/Seehauser,O.) Negating religious sensitivity, the museum keepers insist on art freedom for showing a tasteless crappy “sculpture” that cause revulsion and sadness to many--- not only to Christians worldwide, but to people of all backgrounds. They seem proudly convinced they are doing the right thing.
For fear of being nuked or killed, they couldn’t do such cowardly act and double standard with the Moslems if Islam's Prophet Mohammed were to be portrayed in that insulting manner. Such affront to a particular religion must not be tolerated. Hyping a controversy that is likely to cause divisions, is the last thing responsible people need at a time when the world seeks unity, charity, and peace. =0=
Viewing a picture in the prism of race
Offensive or Innocuous? A picture of the olympic basketball team of Spain showing players slanting their eyes in reference to the Beijing Games can be dismissed as an innocent joke or a racial insult depending on one’s mood or point of view. Yet in this age of delicacy and political correctness, the picture which appeared in the Spanish newspaper La Marca has drawn some ire and criticisms. To quash further debates, extinguish anger and avoid racially-motivated violence, an apology has been recommended. YahooSports (08/12/08, Chase,C.)=0=
Politically (In)correct?
This is the New Yorker’s satirical lampoon which appeared in the magazine’s cover on its July 21, 2008 issue which drew flak from both sides of the political aisle. The Democratic and Republican parties were quick to notice and condemn the illustration which depicted Barack Obama in a Moslem nightgown and wife Michelle in military boots with AK47, as “tasteless and insensitive.” The caricature artist attempted to make fun of the misinformation used in the on-going presidential campaign---a move some consider to be inflammatory, but others believe to be part of the normal journalistic tradition. PhotoCredit: AP
"In the age of string theory, singularity, and parallel universes, something racist is in a black hole."
Political correctness (PC) is straining our ability to express ourselves. It’s confounding our proper use of language, the right way of thinking and looking at things. In our effort to avoid hurting the feelings of our neighbors, we've become too careful, sometimes hypocritical in the way we present ourselves.Until some race-sensitive people who are opposed to being reminded of the label “nigger” (a vestigial remnant of the harrowing days of slavery,) the word "niggard" to denote frugality has fallen out of favor. The words are avoided like the bubonic plague to minimize an affront against the black people.
On the other hand, the term “crippled” is benign. It simply describes a person with restricted mobility until we attach emotional and political meaning on the condition. We decide it should be replaced by softer-kinder terms like “handicapped” or “disabled” to wipe away any discriminatory negative connotations. It’s preferred to call the handicapped “physically challenged” which gives some degree of escape from the derogatory label even if it obscures the true legal meaning of the disability when claims are filed for benefits and entitlements.
The street sign "men at work" has received complaints from feminists who insist that it be changed by gender-neutral words like "people at work." They say the gender specificity of “men at work” has marginalized women who labor building roads, thus discouraging others to get into jobs dominated by men. Even science isn’t immune to the demands of political correctness. Color-sensitive individuals suggest “black hole,” which refers to the mysterious dark matter in the vast expanse of space (see photo of NASA) isn’t a good word for mainstream cosmology. In this age of string theory, singularity, and parallel universes, there are those who don’t approve of a “black hole” the way they dislike naming a cake “black forest” especially if it’s beside a white confection called “angel cake.”
Dinesh D’ Souza, a former Pres. Ronald Reagan policy adviser in the White House and author of the 1991 NY Times bestseller book on PC entitled Illiberal Education: The Politics of Race and Sex in Campus has this say:
“The term “political correctness” seems to have originated in the early part of this century, when it was employed by various species of Marxists to describe and enforce conformity to preferred ideological positions. Books, films, opinions, even historical events were termed politically correct or politically incorrect depending on whether or not they advanced a particular Marxist interpretation. The revolutionary ideologues of that period were serious people, and there is no indication that they spoke of political correctness with any trace of irony or self-deprecation.”
Eventually the term dropped out of the lexicon, only to be revived in the 1980s, when it came to apply to the assorted ideologies of the late 1960s and early 1970s: black consciousness and black power, feminism, homosexual rights, and, to a lesser degree, pacifism, environmentalism, and so on. The new Random House Webster’s College Dictionary defines political correctness as “marked by or adhering to a typically progressive orthodoxy on issues involving especially race, gender, sexual affinity or ecology.”
So we’re hooked with political correctness and we invent euphemisms and jargons to make many submit to some conformity of thought and interpretation. We find it hard to eliminate the negativities, apprehension, and paranoia when we find ourselves diametrically opposed to someone else’s point of view. We struggle to see the truth clearly. Therefore, we’ve become tangential, restrictive, and sometimes derisive, in using terms like “guest relations officers” to refer to prostitutes, “erectile dysfunction” for impotence, “senior citizens” for old people, “different” for gays, “mentally disturbed” for crazies, “laid off” for those who lose jobs, and “vertically challenged” for persons with short stature. Advocates of PC believe prejorative labels lead to stereotyping which limits the dignity, rights, and freedoms of people. But our prickly obsession to be politically correct seems overriding to define a derangement akin to a chronic allergy. That’s why the list of politically correct words gets more complicated each day.
Though political correctness promotes a change that must redress unfairness on matters of race, class, social stature, gender, age, religion, scientific belief, political affiliation or sexual preference, too much PC is starting to cloud our senses. No wonder there are those who believe hypocrisy and political correctness should be interchangeable terms. =0=
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