An argument with the Left: Extreme Close-up

Yesterday, perhaps mainly out of boredom, I decided to post what some might call a rather controversial status update on facebook. In all likelihood, my comments were inspired largely by recent events in Montreal, as well as other previous conversations I've recently had. Any bolded emphasis that follows is mine.

Here's what I posted:

Jason Thompson wonders why we don't see any straight-pride parades and/or festivals? How is that fair?

In response, one of my 'friends' kick-started the debate with this:

Because straights have not been persecuted the way gays have. There no white history month either. Or Hitler rememberance like the holocaust...

A reasonable point and yet I wanted to see what else he could offer. The discussion continued:

Are you suggesting [name removed] that just because something bad happened in the past that we, as a society, have to shun it entirely? Do I have be some sort of victim before I can comfortably express myself, or do I have to live my life feeling sorry for the way that my ancestors may or may not have victimized others? Am I naturally excluded from liking who I am just because I happen to be a white, straight, male?

I've never been a fan of political correctness in any way, shape or form. All it really seems to accomplish is to enable the continuation of the divisions that it alleges to combat. Despite what some in society might like to believe, not all of the actions of the past were done with sinister intent. We do not have to demonize the totality of our history just because people were hurt along the way.

I thought that it was pretty clear at this point that the main point of this conversation would revolve around the futility of political correctness and whether or not it actually achieves what it sets out to do. However, I very quickly found that the conversation took a rather different turn for the worse.

In response to my question whether or not I should be rightfully excluded because of my demographic (white, straight, male), I was told that I needed to be sensitive because it is likely that "[I] have never ... experienced persecution or segregation."

Here's where things start to get really interesting. He continues:

I'm not a fan of political correctness either. Let's face it though. ... There are just things that should not be brought up because of sensitivity. Should I bring up to you how I feel Mormonism is the retarded cousin of Christianity? No. I should ACCEPT certain things about people, and be sensitive about it. Just because I feel that way, doesn't mean I have the RIGHT to voice said opinion.

That this individual preaches the value of keeping his mouth shut while at the same time putting in that not-so-subtle jab at my personal faith was surprising but, unfortunately, not all that unexpected. So I did what I do with my students in the classroom and called him on it.

But you just did voice your opinion (retarded cousin? come on...) and THAT kind of commentary demonstrates the new kind of so-called tolerance that degrades more than it would like to let on. Yours, unfortunately, are the only overtly negative comments in this whole thread. And mandating that I HAVE to be sensitive because of the assumption that I have never suffered to the same degree as other marginalized groups is the whole problem with political correctness in the first place.

. . .

Is that what you think tolerance is all about and that you can pick and choose who to extend your favour to? I think that its you who has the uphill battle through life.

I stand by my comments that our modern sense of equality and tolerance is more of a sham designed to make people feel better about themselves rather than enact any real change. When I can have a reasoned discussion with someone who can convince me otherwise, without resorting to a more critical track, I might be persuaded.

What followed, which I will gladly spare those who have taken the time to read this so far, was a lengthy tirade mainly questioning the sincerity of my faith and those who choose to follow it. How it even became the issue in the first place still evades me. Here, though, are a two remaining highlights that stood out to me.

1. My original post belittled the "hardships and efforts" of homosexuals. I fail to see how at any time during the entire exchange I belittled anyone. The mere claim that I have done so is not enough to establish said belittling. That western society is full of so many thin-skinned ninnies and tattle-tales who can't settle their own differences is a rather unfortunate byproduct of this day and age.

2. Ethnic and lifestyle celebrations are there because they have been earned through tribulation. Recognition is deserved because something has been overcome. How exactly does one quantify hardship? And at what point does it earn widespread acceptance within a society? What about all the other groups who have not yet garnered the attention and justice that they are looking for? Why does even have to be earned in the first place?

And in a final, grandiose gesture, he promptly 'un-friended' me. I guess he showed me.

I thought a lot about the exchange while at work today and I'm still a little upset about it. I can honestly say, though, that his comments about my religion don't bother me. Frankly, I've heard worse and I'm not naive enough to expect everyone to like anything about my faith if they don't want to.

What bothered me most was how quickly the discussion degenerated into an infantile screaming match. What started off as a discussion about political correctness and our modern concept of fairness, became an attack on one aspect of my identity. Not anywhere did I make unreasonable attacks or ever seriously advocate for a 'straight-parade.' This individual resorted to the tactics of too-many in all parts of the political spectrum, but more especially on the left. Instead of staying on task, another issue was used as a scapegoat of sorts, and any reasonable discourse came to an end.

I consider myself a pretty open-minded individual. Frankly, I don't care what people decide to do with their lives. As long as people leave one another alone and use a little common courtesy life is pretty good for most of us. However, I do not like being largely demonized because I choose to be more conservative or traditionalist. That's my decision to make and no one has any right to question that. If you on the left are as tolerant and accepting as you like to say you are, then you might not revert so often to using the 'bigot' and 'knuckle-dragger' labels. And in all fairness, it works both ways.

One of the greatest things about this country is that people can agree to disagree. I think we've been pretty fortunate in Canada to not see so many of the horrors that have plagued other parts of the world. When was the last time we saw a civil war here, or a military coup to overthrow a government among other things? Tempers can flare up from time to time but most of continue going about our daily lives because that matters more. I think everyone could benefit from being able to communicate and be really honest with one another, sometimes brutally at times. The frustration and lingering resentment are not worth the price of taking it so personally so frequently.

Actions speak louder than words

It's been my experience in life and as a teacher that when people go out of their way to explain that their actions aren't something, I usually end up finding out that they are.

It only takes two paragraphs in this article to make the point that the actions in question aren't about money. In my mind, though, if the good doctor was really worried about losing sleep, he would have kept his mouth shut and not volunteered to help in the first place.

This could set a rather interesting, though very unlikely, precedent where I, the humble teacher, can linger around people in order to take advantage of what we call 'teachable moments.' Whenever I sense that I can bestow my knowledge upon those who might benefit from it, I can (humbly, once again) do my duty to society and promptly send them a bill for my troubles.

Thank you, doctor, for sticking to principle and showing us the way.

Political correctness at its finest

I'll let the video speak for itself. Absolutely brilliant!



h/t Blazing Cat Fur

Does this still count and hope and change?

All is not well in Obama land it seems. Even I was surprised by this... I had expected the honeymoon to last a little bit longer. I just can't help thinking, though, that more and more people are (finally) figuring out that the guy just isn't what he was cracked up to be.



I don't think anyone expected him to have solutions for every problem right off the bat. However, it would be really nice to see someone actually do something to fix the problems instead of just talking about how he would like to fix said problems. I, for one, hope that he figures it out soon.

Because I care...

A selection of images just for PETA in their time of need. May you find peace.

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Belated and conflicted (beflicted?) position on Bill 44

I originally started writing this post a few weeks ago as it became apparent that the Alberta Tories would succeed in passing Bill 44. For those who don't already know, Bill 44 gives parents the right to withdraw their children from classes where potentially sensitive material is going to be discussed. This particularly pertains to issues involving sexuality, and some religious matters.

On the one hand, it is rewarding to see more recognition for my role as a parent in deciding what my kids are exposed to. The world can be a pretty crazy place and naturally, I wish to avoid exposing my kids to things that aren't going to help them. However, I find that this usually relates to more tangible risks such as substance abuse and other social matters.

On the other hand, I'm somewhat wary of the government limiting my role as a teacher. The passage of Bill 44 leaves me feeling like I almost need to be watching over my shoulder to make sure I'm not doing anything wrong. This is not the kind of feeling that one should have in a school. I shouldn't have to feel like I have to adhere to certain talking points so that I can avoid offending anyone, or even losing my job.

Education plays a fundamental role in the development of our society. It is not only in our schools but as we interact with those around us that we can better appreciate the world around us. The closed-mindedness that continues to infect healthy dialogue does not in any way help people to resolve differences, or at least accept that people are different.

I'm not about to argue that people hold hands and delude themselves into accepting some false sense of society-imposed harmony. There is generally no harm, however, in being able to learn about what we don't already know. As we are challenged we are made to think for ourselves and form our own opinions. I fear that Bill 44 will lead some individuals to neglect these opportunities for growth and development. That is the real controversy, not necessarily the topics in question.

Am I a racist?

I have been working on a move from a 2-bedroom apartment into a much bigger townhouse. As fun as that is, I've also spent a fair amount of time on the phone with various companies updating contact information, etc.

Is it really wrong of me, though, to wish that I could speak to people who actually speak English? I'm all for inclusion and acceptance... I teach it on a daily basis. However, I am tired of asking people to repeat their questions. I am tired of having to repeat my questions at least three or four times. Is it really such a crime to want to be able to speak to someone that I can actually communicate with?

Let me be clear that I am not trying to characterize the entire industry of telephone customer-service representatives. I'm sure that most of them, if not all, are wonderful people doing wonderful things with their lives and families. I just want to know that after waiting on hold for 10 or 15 minutes will eventually lead to a real person that I can actually talk to.

Is this really so wrong?