As long-time readers should know by now, I'm a progressive, a strong ally of the LGBT community, and tend to play it in the middle when it comes to the concept of political correctness. While I think many conservatives have blown the alleged issue of (over)political correctness out of proportion, I do think some take PC matters too far at times. Similarly, while I may satirically tackle subjects in what some see as an unPC manner, the intent of these writings is to showcase the ridiculousness and/or hypocrisy of those whom tend to see political correctness as a bigger issue than it actually is. Having said all that, while I have often times defended political correctness, I do think it goes too far at times, and saw this first-hand a couple days ago.
A couple days ago (or so) the hashtag #ItsNotRadicalToSay was trending on Twitter, so as I tend to do once or twice a week, I had a little fun with it. I took this opportunity to make fun of the modern-day GOP, including many lovely pictures along the way. I showcased Florida Governor Rick Scott next to an alien and garnered several "likes" and laughs, Donald Trump appearing to dress up like an Oompa Loompa with similar results, and likewise with a creepy picture of Ted Cruz, among others. Yet when I jokingly insinuated that far-right author and talking head Ann Coulter might actually be a man, the PC police came banging at my door. I heard the following comments:
- "Why did you have to go there and make fun of Ann's looks? That's pretty low!"
- "Can we stop it with these transmisogynistic jokes?"
- "That's a little transphobic..."
- "It's also not at all progressive."
So, let me get this straight. It's perfectly PC and "progressive" to make fun of Rick Scott's appearance because he resembles an alien, Ted Cruz for appearing kind of creepy, Donald Trump due to his small hands and orange skin tone, Chris Christie because of his weight problem, etc., but poking fun of anti-LGBT commentator Ann Coulter for having some male-like qualities is going too far? Give me a break! ...and again, these PC officers seem to be missing the irony and intent. I wouldn't have ever made such a post about a person who's supportive of equal rights for the LGBT community. But to say Ann Coulter is supportive of the LGBT community would be like to say Stephen Hawking is supportive of horoscope Facebook memes. The post wasn't meant to offend the LGBT community in any way, but to poke Ann Coulter where it hurts, showcasing her in a light which would greatly repulse her, and hopefully making her realize how ridiculous her beliefs are in the process. Was the joke classy and sophisticated in any way? No, but neither is comparing Rick Scott to an alien, Donald Trump to an Oompa Loompa, poking fun of Ted Cruz for looking creepy, or teasing Chris Christie because of his weight problem. It's perfectly fine to get offended by jokes, but let's show a little more consistency, and try to take the person's intent into account before flying off the handles.
A couple days ago (or so) the hashtag #ItsNotRadicalToSay was trending on Twitter, so as I tend to do once or twice a week, I had a little fun with it. I took this opportunity to make fun of the modern-day GOP, including many lovely pictures along the way. I showcased Florida Governor Rick Scott next to an alien and garnered several "likes" and laughs, Donald Trump appearing to dress up like an Oompa Loompa with similar results, and likewise with a creepy picture of Ted Cruz, among others. Yet when I jokingly insinuated that far-right author and talking head Ann Coulter might actually be a man, the PC police came banging at my door. I heard the following comments:
- "Why did you have to go there and make fun of Ann's looks? That's pretty low!"
- "Can we stop it with these transmisogynistic jokes?"
- "That's a little transphobic..."
- "It's also not at all progressive."
So, let me get this straight. It's perfectly PC and "progressive" to make fun of Rick Scott's appearance because he resembles an alien, Ted Cruz for appearing kind of creepy, Donald Trump due to his small hands and orange skin tone, Chris Christie because of his weight problem, etc., but poking fun of anti-LGBT commentator Ann Coulter for having some male-like qualities is going too far? Give me a break! ...and again, these PC officers seem to be missing the irony and intent. I wouldn't have ever made such a post about a person who's supportive of equal rights for the LGBT community. But to say Ann Coulter is supportive of the LGBT community would be like to say Stephen Hawking is supportive of horoscope Facebook memes. The post wasn't meant to offend the LGBT community in any way, but to poke Ann Coulter where it hurts, showcasing her in a light which would greatly repulse her, and hopefully making her realize how ridiculous her beliefs are in the process. Was the joke classy and sophisticated in any way? No, but neither is comparing Rick Scott to an alien, Donald Trump to an Oompa Loompa, poking fun of Ted Cruz for looking creepy, or teasing Chris Christie because of his weight problem. It's perfectly fine to get offended by jokes, but let's show a little more consistency, and try to take the person's intent into account before flying off the handles.
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