Correctness, Political and Otherwise ... drdevience's W/O
May 03 '05
The Bottom Line Is it really the words at all? Or the meaning behind the words?
I must say, I was the first to comment on the previously mentioned review, the one that the doc alluded to in her Write Off setup. It was a review of a restaurant in which the author mentioned Oriental people multiple times. My comment was: "It's not very polite to refer to Asian people as Orientals."
I stick by that comment. I assume the writer of the review probably didn't intend it to be offensive, but there was an almost offhand or accidental (or Occidental, if you will) superiority to her language that grated on me. I don't know the writer personally, nor did I know he or she was from England, but even if the reverse were true, I probably would have made the same comment.
In speaking with Asian people about the subject (because it confused me at first), I've been told that Oriental refers to objects from the Orient, such as furniture, or spices, or the like. Thus, it's perfectly acceptable to refer to an Oriental rug. However, calling a person Oriental is like referring to them as an inanimate object. Myself, I can see where that could be taken in a pejorative sense.
But no matter. That is my opinion, and expressing it is all I can do.
As for the esteemed Doc's write off, I only have the mental energy to answer one question:
1. What words do you choose to take offense to?
Well, perhaps it's not exactly a matter of choice. Being gleaming Western-European white, in George Carlin's words, "I don't try to get a tan. I just try to neutralize the blue." I don't suppose there are many racial or ethnic slurs that would offend me personally. However, my race is not particularly oppressed in this country. Sure, we Irish have had our problems, and those in Europe still do, and are probably victims of race and class derogation every day.
But my skin is white. Not yellow or brown or red. And that makes a big difference. We live in a culture that is racist, whether we admit it or not. Not because we think it's logical to feel that way, but because it's visceral. There are many, many people here in the U.S. who believe that blacks, as a people, are de facto inferior because of their race. That the class system now in place is only right and proper. Sure, individual successes are okay on a small scale. But the race as a whole, they believe, is exactly where it belongs.
And that unconscious superiority that is shown every day by our politicians and media and educators and law enforcement and organized religion is at the root of the whole 'offensive word' thing. At least, I think so. Many times, jokes are made, and that is often good. Humor can lighten people up. Bridge gaps. Obviously, some jokes are cruel and only meant to enforce that imagined superiority, but often not. But the words we use casually, whether meant to harm or not, can express that superior sense whether we mean it to or not.
The whole crux, I think, is that in very general terms, white people do think of themselves--ourselves--as above it all. As the most civilized. As the smartest. As the most entitled to the fine things in life. And that feeling comes through in our language, even if it's not intended. And it can be heard.
In other words, it's not the words. It's the meaning behind them.
I'm usually very non-confrontational, but all right, bring it on. Blast me for my socialist views, or whatever. I welcome all comers.
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Epinions.com ID:
s_trimble
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Member: Stephen Trimble
Location: West Chester, PA
Reviews written: 127
Trusted by: 95 members
About Me:
I'm back to my roots, writing business newsletters for Progressive Business Publications.
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