bookmark_borderExplaining

Note: I drafted this yesterday before Richard Madeley’s “dyke” comment was aired and, as usual, the BBC News website has an interesting article about the whole wording issue.

“[The words are]… liable to change their connotations and meanings depending on who is saying them, to whom, in what circumstances, sometimes even depending on their tone of voice.”

We live in politically correct times. You can’t say this. You can’t do that.

Some of it, of course, is correct. You can’t go around insulting people but then, that hasn’t changed has it, the whole PC ‘movement’ has just given the minorities another string to their bow.

The real trouble I have is here. Online. Where the written word carries all meaning and inflection. Except, as you well know, it doesn’t.

So I end up writing something, or commenting on a site, using my own voice and then having to go back and edit (or add another comment) ensuring that my phrasing wasn’t misunderstood.

This doesn’t happen in real life. Take last Saturday, out with friends, two of whom are gay, we end up in the Polo Lounge (well known gay bar/club in Glasgow), and I end up with an admirer. Alan finds it hysterical and I have to admit I’m slightly flattered (ohh shush). I turn to him as we leave and retort “Well what did I expect, going out drinking with poofs”.

OHH SHOCKING!! You can’t say that! The PC hordes cry.

Alan laughed, which says it all.