The Word We Use

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 9:19am

Some may find words and terms of this blog to be offensive and that is what this is all about - "offenses." I would encourage you grit your teeth and read past the first few lines in order to get a sense of what I am attempting to convey. The Webster dictionary defines offense thus:
1 - Something that outrages the moral or physical senses
2 - The act of attacking : Such as the offensive or attacking team in sports
3 - The act of displeasing or affronting
b: the state of being insulted or morally outraged
4 - Aa breach of a moral or social code : sin , misdeed b: an infraction of law ; especially : misdemeanor

In my little diatribe here I want to discuss how a term has taken on a life of its own. Specifically the word "Politically Correct" or incorrect as the case may be. This word seems to have replaced the word offensive but only in certain circles. In an internet search I discovered any number of articles defining the entomology of this word. One such article claimed it came from Mao little red book while others claim it was birthed by the Republican party and yada, yada, yada. It seems the gist of this word relates to comments, writings and speech in a derogatory manner toward certain groups of people, specifically those of another race, gender, sexual persuasion and or even a persons physical characteristics. You don’t say "he is a fat slob", you can sat he has an eating and hygiene, disorder. All this correctness or incorrectness is determined, it seems on situational ethics.

As a white male I dare not use the term nigger. That is totally not PC (politically correct). This is a derogatory term toward a person of a particular race. Now I do not use this term. My reasoning is based on good manners rather than an attempt to be PC. The term does have the connotation of demeaning and a search of the word bears out this fact. However I recall reading, as a young boy, Mark Twain’s, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. In his books there was a character called Nigger Joe. As I read with rapt interest these novels I not once saw joe as being anything other than another hero of these classic books. Nor do I to this day.

As I commented earlier I do not think that word should be used by reason of good manners. At the same time I believe good manners dictate even people of the black race should exercise those selfsame manners. Which brings up some other words that should not be used in the company of others nor anytime. It is interesting in our society today the N word is unacceptable and yet a certain four letter word starting with the letter "F" has infiltrated our everyday environment with very little regard. This word is probably as, or more, offensive to a vast majority of society than the "N" word and interestingly enough seemingly used by the black community a little less judiciously than others. Note here I can refer to the "N" word and the "F" word and we all know what the words are but we dare not say the word. In fact many today and sadly some in my own church use Frig or friggen to replace the "F" word. What is that all about?

The bible speaks of Satan and his ways as being seemingly true and yet a lie. As Christians we are told to resist the devil and his ways so why would we endeavor to use words that have the same meaning as those unsavory words in society? Could it be it because we do not take the time to exercise good vocabulary skills? I think so. I recall years ago when Bonny & I drove truck together. We were at a company safety meeting in which a number of men and only a couple of ladies were present. One of the male drivers was discussing something and used the "F" word. To Bonny’s credit she turned to this man and said "I’m going to buy you a dictionary!" When the man asked "Why?" she exclaimed "because you have such a limited vocabulary!" Do we all need dictionaries..... or.... perhaps a book on manners? I believe we should take stock of our conversations and adjust where necessary. The bible declares "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." If we refer to another person in a derogatory or demeaning manner maybe we should take a moment to ponder why and if there might be a more intelligent and proper way to respond.

Another scripture from the bible book of Proverbs states "answer a fool according to his folly and you will become like him." I have always looked at this scripture to indicate you shouldn’t stoop to a foolish mans level as in so doing you have become like him.

There is an advertisement I use to hear on the radio that started out with "you are judged by the words you use." I think this is true. It is hoped the words I use do not place me to far up on the vocabulary lacking meter.
Bud