Posted by
Patrick Bohan on Monday, October 01, 2012 4:34:44 PM
http://thetheoryofmediocrity.blogspot.com/
We can add two more words to the list of
words that when used only achieve polarity and division – uncivil and offensive
(in an earlier blog I talked about how the word annoy has turned into a
divisive word). Uncivil is defined as being discourteous or rude; archaic.
Offensive is defined as causing anger, displeasure, resentment,
or affront. Not only are these two words being used more, but their definition
is expanding. Case in point the Scott Walker recall election in Wisconsin. Walker
was not rude or uncivil, but the Left found him offensive only because they
disagreed with his policy. I disagree with Obama policy but I would not call
him uncivil or offensive. Policy disagreement is common, something offensive
and uncivil should be something that is unique and or extreme behavior, and not
something we would see, hear, or witness every day. But today, we use these two
words to describe everything we disagree with. What used to be a disagreement
or an opinion is now uncivil and offensive.
I have been called uncivil and an anti-feminist for using the word
hysterical. I have been called offensive for my political views on whether the
government should fund cancer research and for my position that global warming
is not manmade. The individuals that find me offensive are the same people that
claim everyone on the right is calling them a Nazi, Sarah Palin caused the
Gabrielle Giffords shooting, and compared the Citizens United decision to
slavery. These are the same people who join Facebook sites such as “I would not
work if you paid me”, but expect me and other taxpayers to foot the bill for
their “free” healthcare. But I am the one who is uncivil and offensive.
The problem when people use the words annoy, uncivil, or offensive
is these words are commonly used in conjunction with words such as fault,
intolerance, and blame. It is hard to settle differences when these harsh words
are used. You never see the word annoy, uncivil, and offensive used in
conjunction with words like solution, compromise, agreement, or any conclusive
or rational argument. The usage of these words is always negative. For this
reason, I do not use any of these words anymore, but I do use the word civil.
I have said it before and I will say it again “we have become a
nation of problem creators instead of problem solvers”, because we like to live
in the past. The past is the past, but solutions exist in the future. Obama’s
campaign slogan is “Forward”, but his campaign strategy is to blame Bush. This
makes little sense. Words like offensive, uncivil, annoy, blame, fault are
common in politics, but words formulating solutions or any strategic vision are
sadly missing. If you do not know what you are talking about, anything is
possible. Obama thinks his green energy policies are forward thinking and strategic,
but anyone can say we will meet 50 mpg in cars by 2025 if they know nothing
about solving and overcoming those engineering problems and obstacles to
achieve this goal. Leaders lead by example, they do not live in the past, and
they do not use words, but actions to solve problems.
Part of the reason for the growing usage of the words uncivil and
offensive is the whole “political correctness” revolution that is going on in
our country. These words are used in arguments when a person is defeated and
has no rebuttal. These words are used as excuses and to make one feel righteous
and superior. In other words, these words are used solely to appease one’s
narcissistic view of the world. These are selfish words used to describe one
person’s feelings with little regard to those feelings of other individuals. If
you are care only about self-gratification and are oblivious to others how can
you achieve a reasonable solution to any disagreement? I am right, you are
wrong, case closed! This is the extent of our problem solving skills today.