# I am getting tired of the PC Police on this board. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 18, 2003, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016 "2003-05-18T05:12:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/161 "2003-05-22T12:22:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Scylla \* > \*\*Fucking bigot. \*\* do you have _proof_ that he was fucking? ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/162 "2003-05-22T15:03:26Z")
> [@](#): > > If someone in public called me an asswipe, I would kick his ass. Ah yes, because physical violence is the answer to everything. ---
**Author:** ![TaxGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b19c9b/32.png) [@TaxGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TaxGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/163 "2003-05-22T15:19:19Z")
> [@](#): > > Additionally, think for a moment where your suggestion logically leads. “I’m deeply offended by your admission of homosexuality, please consider not admitting it in the future” Would you be OK with that? That Monkey’s not only got a gun, the dude’s got a brain! **Esprix** , I (and the rest of the viewing public) would love a _direct_ response from you on this. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/164 "2003-05-22T16:05:31Z")
Oh, wait, you’re expecting me to say I wouldn’t be considerate, right? :rolleyes: Try reading my response above. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![TaxGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b19c9b/32.png) [@TaxGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TaxGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/165 "2003-05-22T17:07:28Z")
Your response above does not address the point **A Monkey with a Gun** raised (and I re-raised). Why are you dodging this issue, Esprix? Does the natural consequence of your espoused philosophy hit a little to close to home? I see your :rolleyes: and raise you another: :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/166 "2003-05-22T17:07:49Z")
taxguy, monkey: The one thing a tolerant group or society cannot abide is intolerance. Your suggestion re: Esprix is an intolerant one. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/167 "2003-05-22T17:43:59Z")
To repeat: > [@](#): > > In most cases, if someone says I have done something to offend them, then I will likely endeavour to find out why, and, if appropriate, apologize for doing so if it was unintentional. Going forward, if I want to intentionally offend them, I will go ahead and recklessly do the same thing that offended them the first time; however, if I feel the need to do that same thing again, but don’t want to intentionally offend them, I might do or say things in a different way to at least let them know I’m not _trying_ to offend them, and am sensitive to their point of view. One can hold fast to ones beliefs yet still remain respectful of others, and not compromise common courtesy, yes? > > Essentially what I’m saying is, you can use honey or vinegar - once you know the effects of both, it’s up to you to decide which choice to make. Without any further details of your hypothetical, you can apply the above to it. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/168 "2003-05-22T23:40:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Scylla \* > \*\*taxguy, monkey: > > The one thing a tolerant group or society cannot abide is intolerance. > > Your suggestion re: Esprix is an intolerant one. \*\* You are normally not this bad about reading comprehension, **Scylla**. Reread my post. My suggestion to **esprix** that constant appeasement isn’t a good thing is “intolerant”? Excuse me, but how the _fuck_ do you figure that one? He might have had a point about it being a bit hyperbolic, but intolerant? Fuck off, **Scylla**. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/169 "2003-05-23T01:29:36Z")
I found this link on hate speech: [http://www.peacefire.org/BaitAndSwitch/definitions.html](http://www.peacefire.org/BaitAndSwitch/definitions.html) It was interesting to me because apparently some consider hate speech to include speech against disabilities and others do not. Some also consider speech that is sexist to be hate speech. I am satisfied that when people use the term “hate speech” now they are generally referring to speech against certain races or nationalities. Maybe that will change. I do agree with the ACLU that the answer to hate speech is more speech, not less. (They oppose hate speech regulation on campus.) ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/170 "2003-05-23T01:32:21Z")
Monkey: It seemed like you had a point until the “fuck off.” Can’t think why my rebuttal merited that. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/171 "2003-05-23T01:52:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Scylla \* > \*\*Monkey: > > It seemed like you had a point until the “fuck off.” Can’t think why my rebuttal merited that. \*\* Allright, maybe the “fuck off” was a bit strong, but you implied that I was intollerant. On second thought, “fuck off” probably wasn’t too strong. I took umbrage that you seem to have written me off as “intollerant” without actually reading my arguments. I am not saying prejudice is OK. I am calling for perspective, common sense, spine, and an end to incessant whining. I’ll give you a second chance to either defend or retract your statement. Where is the intollerance in my suggestion that **esprix’s** appeasement strategy is deeply flawed? ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/172 "2003-05-23T02:13:31Z")
One other thing. **Esprix** , regarding **taxguy’s** claim that you tried to duck my original question. He’s wrong. For what it’s worth, I thought you did address it, at least from a personal point of view. And to answer your question ("Hyperbole much?). Hey, everybody needs a hobby. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lilairen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lilairen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lilairen)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/173 "2003-05-23T02:39:52Z")
For what it’s worth, I have seen no evidence that Esprix is offering an “appeasement strategy”. I would tend to suspect that any characterisation of what he’s said as such might well be taken as inflammatory; I wouldn’t be surprised if Scylla were responding to the perceived slam in that particular choice in words. “I choose to not persist in behaving like an ass” is not fairly or accurately characterised as “appeasement”. Note that Esprix has explicitly stated that he is applying his brain to the question of whether or not he _is_ behaving like an ass, not caving at the first cry of “Donkey!” ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/174 "2003-05-23T02:56:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lilairen \* > \*\* I wouldn’t be surprised if Scylla were responding to the perceived slam in that particular choice in words. \*\* I would. The word “appeasement” is neither intollerant nor “inflamatory”. There is nothing wrong with it on _any_ level. I am allowed to disagree with the guy, and that word choice is in no way a “slam”. How does my thinking that **esprix** may be just a bit too polite for his own good akin to intollerance? It’s not, and I am almost positive that **Scylla** didn’t actually think about his remark, or bother to read any of what I wrote. ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/175 "2003-05-23T03:00:51Z")
Monkey: I think the rational stance is a pretty simple one. I was not accusing you of intolerance, but suggesting that your example of esprix censoring himself vis a vis his sexuality would be an intolerant stance if you were suggesting it seriously. But back to the simple and rational stance. A tolerant person would be one that does not look to take umbrage at other people and does not look to offer umbrage, and is only intolerant to those that do. I try not to take offense unless I’m certain it’s being offered. On the other hand, I don’t particularly censor myself for other people’s benefit, especially when it’s to my detriment in terms of comunication or thinking. I do happen to think that your use of “fuck you,” and the demand that I have one chance to alter, explain, or defend myself, is a somewhat intolerant stance on your part. You have chosen to take offense where none was meant, and now you place demands on me because of this offense. I would not characterize that as tolerant. Why not simply choose to forgo the offense and (dare I say,) histrionics and simply attempt to communicate in good faith? ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/176 "2003-05-23T03:02:58Z")
Allright, fine. Shake hands? ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/177 "2003-05-23T03:09:08Z")
Sure. No problem here. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/178 "2003-05-23T03:20:37Z")
You gonna let him get away with that? Only a wussy would let him get away with that. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/179 "2003-05-23T03:23:24Z")
_psst, Scylla . . . he called your momma a ho. I heard him. Kick his ass._ ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016/180 "2003-05-23T03:28:25Z")
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-tired-of-the-pc-police-on-this-board/176016.md?page=10)