Quote:
Originally posted by EA S
Does this true story create political correctness problems?
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NO
Quote:
Originally posted by EA S
Why is this acceptable (well, I assume it is) but probably wouldn't be if I'd presented it as a joke and made the witness a black African or Aborigine?
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Because if it was a joke you would be poking fun or degrading and ridiculing that particular group of people, not just stating a fact. It could be seen as a slur on all people that are from that particular background.
There is a fine line to tread as Ford Man says. Political correctness has gone way overboard, to the point in a lot of cases where there is reverse discrimination (even though most people fail to see this).
The reverse discrimination thing happens a lot when Government departments are hiring staff. They are virtually too frightened to hire a "normal" white anglo saxon male for fear someone else from a more diverse background will sue their pants off for racial or other discrimination.
It does seem the Aussie way though to have a dig at other races/groups/cultures. It is mostly meant in a fun humourus way but if you are on the receiving end it can perhaps wear a little thin after a while.
Some examples seen here at FF are of course the constant flack we all put on Holden drivers and people who drive 4cylinder cars (commonly known as rice). Just for good measure there is also the occasional dig at some of the New Zealanders that participate in discussion on this board and sometimes there are some jokes about Tasmanians as well.
Don't get me wrong, I'm no model for political correctness, I laughed long and hard over the original Aboriginal Bin Workin joke, the Public Service version was a very poor copy. Consistency is the key here I think. If the Aboriginal version was censored because it was thought to be in poor taste changing the words around to take the piss out of another group of people is bound to offend someone as well.
anyway, i'll step down off my soapbox now and go and do some work!:eek:
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