THE PENDULUM; BLOG # 2181; FRI MAR 29, 2019

THE MESSAGE:

With the passage of time and many generations our social mores are bound to evolve and hopefully result in a better way of life for all people. On the immigration front the present day culture has moved from one of a trusting acceptance to one of a feared reality. As a result there is much controversy surrounding the concept. Religion, language, cultural traditions etc have all been at the forefront of peoples' acceptance or perception. 

THE BLURB:

It is a given that evil be eliminated as quickly and painlessly as possible and replaced with kindness and empathy. However, there are some behaviours and attitudes that have swung the pendulum of propriety too far in the opposite direction.

IN MY LIFETIME: 

1. I have seen the lives of gay people (oops, LGBTQ) go from ridicule and verbal abuse to demanding and receiving a ‘parade' to ensure and declare to others that everyone has the right to whatever sexual orientation they choose.

2. It is easily observed that much of society frowns on capital punishment and promotes social rehabilitation as a viable concept. A noble sentiment but one that is very inconsiderate of some victims and their families.

3. We have established a justice system that rightfully criminalizes sexual aggression, which was blatantly obvious in several work environments and other situations. Today, many people are offended if a male taps the shoulder of a female with the sole purpose of getting her attention. “don’t touch me!"

4. Several people believe it necessary to change the wording of our National Anthem by removing the phrase that references ‘our sons’. Do they think that this will achieve more equality of the sexes?

There are many who believe in the concept of ‘political correctness’. It is expected that our language or behaviours be altered in order to correct situations where topics,  perceived to be discriminatory or insulting against the status of some, will be rectified. 

HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES:

• Dignity required

• ‘Handicapped' has become ’Special Needs”.
  

• A school in Seattle renamed its Easter eggs 'spring spheres' to avoid causing offence to people who did not celebrate Easter. 
  
• In the UK a recruiter was stunned when her job posting for 'reliable' and 'hard-working' applicants was rejected by the job centre lest it be seen as offensive to unreliable and lazy people. 
  
• In Australia, while training Santas for stores, trainees were told that, 'ho ho ho' could frighten children, and be derogatory to women. because 'ho ho ho' is too close to the American  slang for prostitute.
  
• Some Canadian schools now have a 'holiday tree' at Christmas, rather than a Christmas tree. Other entities promote ‘Happy holidays’ in place of ‘Merry Christmas’.

Spotted Dick, a classic English dessert, has been renamed. The traditional pudding is now called Spotted Richard, in order to avoid causing any offence. 

THE QUESTION:

Has ‘politics’ become a dirty word?

THE LEMON:

Awarded to Gerald Butts the man from Cape Breton. He tops the list of wealthy politicians at 23 million US dollars.  This man served as the chief advisor of Justin Trudeau and Dalton McGuinty. Some folks like to call him Gerry. I prefer Harry.

THE QUOTE:

"No legacy is so rich as honesty.”  Shakespeare

THE CLIP: