Stop Murdering Our Language!

Enough with changing the language to suit the few who choose to take offense at innocuous things.

Because I use the word "niggardly" and get in trouble for it means only two things: you need to find a dictionary (I use Merriam-Webster's online dictionary), and find something that really matters to complain about.

Because I like to look at beautiful things (a strange thing, I know) does it mean I'm "objectifying" that which I'm admiring?

Because I have a friend from South Africa, does that mean my friend is African-American, despite the fact that he's white? And what about my Egyptian buddy?

Because a guy points at and laughs at a tiny, winged sprite, calling her a silly fairy, does that make him bigot?

Because I push someone aside because they're in the way or in my face, is it a hate crime because they wear a turban?

Because someone dresses like a group of people who are well-known to act in violent and aggressive ways, does it make me prejudiced if I choose to stay away from them or be on guard for something unpleasant from them?

Because I believe in the fundamentals of something, does that make me a fundamentalist? And as such, am I worthy of demonization or marginalization? And if so, is that not a hate crime? Or at least bigotry?

Take a deep breath and repeat to yourself, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, not everyone is out to get me!" Then take another deep breath and repeat to yourself, "...and if everyone was out to get me, I'd still stand for who I am...without being a complete ass about it--unless of course I'm required to in order to change the situation to something less threatening."

What I'm saying here is...relax, people! It's not all about you! It's not even all about the special causes you've decided to attach yourselves to so you can feel important and like you're making a difference.

It's about life, living, loving, and believing like you like, and allowing others to do the same--as strange as the concept of "others" might be.