NOT THE SHARPEST KNIVES IN THE DRAWER: Political Correctness Run Amuck
The Times of London reports that throughout the UK, “dozens of quangos [quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations] and taxpayer-funded organisations have ordered a purge of common words and phrases so as not to cause offence.” To cite some examples of phrases deemed racist or sexist: “black day, “black mark,” “gentleman’s agreement” and “right-hand man.” The politically correct equivalents: “miserable day,” “demerit,” “unwritten agreement,” and “second in command.”
Marie Clair, spokeswoman for the Plain English Campaign, tells the paper: “Political correctness has good intentions but things can be taken to an extreme. What is really needed is a bit of common sense.”
Indeed. The Stiletto thinks it’s racist for politically correct types to assume the inclusion of the word “black” in any phrase imparts a negative connotation, and is ipso facto racist. When you’re balancing your checkbook, wouldn’t you much rather be “in the black” than “in the red?” When you get an invitation that says “black tie,” don’t you expect to be sipping bubbly instead of chugging brewskis? Aren’t fashion designers always trying to find “the new black” - that is, a color that will become a timeless staple in your closet? Black is beautiful, baby. Unless you’re politically correct.
[Hat Tip: The Heel, an Ivy-educated attorney with a prestigious New York firm, and occasional contributor to this blog.]
Comments