the correct way to insult somebody? Specifically.. apparently...
picking through my sports sites in vain hoping for signs that this flippin' NFL lockout will end I happened on a piece about Eagles football player, who for some reason referred to a caller on a live call radio-show as a "gay-ass fa**ot".
brilliant.
that wasn't news to me, what was news to me was the reaction such an article provoked.
Geee-jusss!!!!
Everyone has an opinion, and mostly it's an angry one.
People saying that the player, DeShawn Jackson, had the right to say what he did and people who complain are breaching the 1st Amendment. Or have no sense of humour. Or are gay-ass fa**ots themselves.
And we all know gay people are sick in the head.
Which brought out the defense of all gay people.
Which in turn brought out the Christians to declare gay people ARE sick in the head.
Which then caused people to question whether we can insult anybody anymore (apart from Americans) and how this politically-correct world really is a bore. and a pain. and why can't we go back to the good ol' days?
The last part was probably written by someone southern who thought the 'good ol' days' involved lynching somebody with a skin colour darker than your own.
But, in my opinion here's my rulings for insulting people. Safely, and not to cause offense. But if you ARE planning to insult someone surely causing offense is part of the intention?
Anyway.
Rule #1: Be specific to the individual. That is DO NOT target anything that could be interpreted as being insulting to any minority group the individual belongs to. This is specifically relating to gender, sexuality, race or religion. These are red flags. There is no way back, no positive funny outcome once a red flag is raised (or thrown down, depending on your view).
Rule #2: Add a touch (a touch!) of breveity to the insult. Something that could make the person laugh if they are in a laughy mood. If they aren't, don't. Example: "You broke your glasses AGAIN?? Yeesh, can you feed yourself at lunchtime or d'you want me to call somebody?"
Rule #3: Be prepared to apologise to that person if something is 'taken the wrong way'. What d'you think'll happen if you don't? the world might end? Uh-uh. Just say you're sorry, blame something blamable (on yourself, NOT the offended party) and give the person space before you try and make casual conversation with them again.
These three rules, admittedly not foolproof, should be sufficient to keep the dynamic between any group of friends or work colleagues easy-going enough to maintain light-hearted friendships and acquaintances, avoiding mausoleum-like working conditions; but will be respectful enough to avoid all out war between wronged and insulted parties.
Last thought on this subject.
Common sense. An ingredient i believe is sorely lacking in today's society.
If the target of your insult/friendly barb is your boss, or related to your boss, hold your tongue. It won't end well. Likewise with people's kids/parents/siblings.
Blood can be ignited extremely quickly when it's perceived at being insulted.
brilliant.
that wasn't news to me, what was news to me was the reaction such an article provoked.
Geee-jusss!!!!
Everyone has an opinion, and mostly it's an angry one.
People saying that the player, DeShawn Jackson, had the right to say what he did and people who complain are breaching the 1st Amendment. Or have no sense of humour. Or are gay-ass fa**ots themselves.
And we all know gay people are sick in the head.
Which brought out the defense of all gay people.
Which in turn brought out the Christians to declare gay people ARE sick in the head.
Which then caused people to question whether we can insult anybody anymore (apart from Americans) and how this politically-correct world really is a bore. and a pain. and why can't we go back to the good ol' days?
The last part was probably written by someone southern who thought the 'good ol' days' involved lynching somebody with a skin colour darker than your own.
But, in my opinion here's my rulings for insulting people. Safely, and not to cause offense. But if you ARE planning to insult someone surely causing offense is part of the intention?
Anyway.
Rule #1: Be specific to the individual. That is DO NOT target anything that could be interpreted as being insulting to any minority group the individual belongs to. This is specifically relating to gender, sexuality, race or religion. These are red flags. There is no way back, no positive funny outcome once a red flag is raised (or thrown down, depending on your view).
Rule #2: Add a touch (a touch!) of breveity to the insult. Something that could make the person laugh if they are in a laughy mood. If they aren't, don't. Example: "You broke your glasses AGAIN?? Yeesh, can you feed yourself at lunchtime or d'you want me to call somebody?"
Rule #3: Be prepared to apologise to that person if something is 'taken the wrong way'. What d'you think'll happen if you don't? the world might end? Uh-uh. Just say you're sorry, blame something blamable (on yourself, NOT the offended party) and give the person space before you try and make casual conversation with them again.
These three rules, admittedly not foolproof, should be sufficient to keep the dynamic between any group of friends or work colleagues easy-going enough to maintain light-hearted friendships and acquaintances, avoiding mausoleum-like working conditions; but will be respectful enough to avoid all out war between wronged and insulted parties.
Last thought on this subject.
Common sense. An ingredient i believe is sorely lacking in today's society.
If the target of your insult/friendly barb is your boss, or related to your boss, hold your tongue. It won't end well. Likewise with people's kids/parents/siblings.
Blood can be ignited extremely quickly when it's perceived at being insulted.