it's very sad when someone feels they are placed in the position of having to apologize for saying someone else is attractive. yes, it's a shame when society places so much, TOO much, of ones individual worth on physical appearance. one could call it a travesty. no one should be judged by appearance or forced into a category by others or by ones self. but to intimate that looks should be all-together ignored is just plain dumb. what's next.... you can't say someone has a nice smile, because those with no dental insurance, and teeth that resemble a picket fence will feel devalued and unworthy. no more "i like your hair" because those who are bald, or have lost their hair because of disease, will think they can't get a good job because they don't look like a prell girl (anyone else remember them?) or a graduate of the hair club for men. and it could be a wig. the color of one's eyes can't be complimented since those with blue/brown/hazel will become self-conscious if they don't have blue/brown/hazel eyes. and they could be contacts. you can't comment on how intelligent someone is because those who lack a higher education will suddenly feel disenfranchised. well, actually, they feel that way every time they apply for a job they really aren't qualified for, but that's just the way things are. and, these days, saying someone is smart can actually mean you're OVER-qualified, and to some people could be insulting. so, maybe, yeah, don't bring up smarts; smile, nod and at least pretend to know what they're talking about, even if you don't. then they can't comment on how smart you are...or aren't. what a nice family you have! nope. single people will feel judged. weight, breast size (especially inappropriate when talking to a man), their ass...all been off the table for YEARS. thank god no one can read anybody else's mind, but you just have to look in their eyes to know what they're thinking. nice house? have to be concerned about apartment dwellers. nice day? now you know that's always going to offend someone and start an argument. so, it boils down to this. never say ANYthing nice about ANYbody to ANYbody in front of ANYone or if there are cameras around. if someone asks you "what do you think?" you have to know it's a trap. they don't really want to know, they're just hoping to catch you off-guard and back you into a position from which there is no escape, and you are forced to stand up and say "i'm sorry" all the while thinking "WHAT THE HELL DID I SAY?"
so, the next time you ask, no matter how nice you look, how smart you are or how well-coiffed, i'm just going to grunt and hope to hell i don't offend anybody. but you know i will.
Oh, nooooooooo! I'm going to disagree with you ever so slightly on this one - assuming you are, of course, talking about President Obama's description Of AG Kamala Harris. This isn't an example of Political Correctness Gone Wild given the location and event of the statement - it is another example of 'the black guy did it' - but you inspired me to write a piece on political correctness, Ha!
ReplyDelete