revelation.
I had a strict upbringing, deep South, by definition a Grandmother who taught some values that I hold true today. They are:
- Respect yourself.
- Treat others as you would like to be treated
- Be a lady
- Know the difference between right and wrong.
Do any of these statements need further definition? If you’re too young, you might not get them. If you’re too old, you might not even care. If you’re successful, you might not agree. And so on and so on.
A few weeks ago, I was in a part of the country that still refers to Black or African-Americans as colored. I was taken aback. The individuals mean no harm and I didn’t exactly take it as such. Still, I wanted to find a way to as gently as possible ask them to refer to me in the current terms. Being referred to as colored takes me back to a childhood of times and shameful events spoken about in hushed and whispered terms.
Another example of speaking politically incorrect is referring to someone who is obviously disabled in some way. Yet, this person did want me to include her disability in the fabric of our conversation. Her stance was, “I can do anything you can do.” I thought to myself, “No, you can’t”. But I meant no harm and I did not want to argue with her, so I let the matter fall. Still, if left me feeling uncomfortable, because I meant no harm, nor am I ignorant or intolerant.
So, I ask, have we become so politically correct that nothing we say or do is safe from misinterpretation? Is it really so important to immediately out and grandstand a poor choice of words.
I am not always sure I’ve pinpointed a defining opinion that doesn’t offend. The gray areas have widened and the left and right and right and wrong concepts seem to have narrowed. Sometimes, wanting not to offend, I say nothing.
And so, being an outsider, I wonder if I feel this uncertain, can anyone else be so sure that they’ve been insulted or pre-judged. I have to say, sometimes I miss the actual defining lines of black and white and sometimes I wish the grey matter areas would go away.
We learn by example as well as by choices and missteps. Fulfillment comes in so many ways, a job well done, a pat on the back, a bonus or a raise a new hairstyle, an elegant meal, or a simple thank-you.
I find myself looking neither to the right or left, or trying to keep up with the other fellow. I am strongly focused on my own dreams and goals.
Shoulders back, we must move toward our dreams and desires while making the best of all situations.
