No hope

I believe that you think everyone is equal, but there are some it seems, such as your work colleague, who thinks otherwise. They are the problem. I like your comments to him.

Sexism and racism aren't serious. People should be allowed to use their judgement, even if they are foolish enough to apply it to such a broad category of people. If they aren't inciting violence they should be free to hate whoever they want. Hating someone doesn't infringe on their rights, case closed. I know that I stopped going to a bar in my town because they had a discount for couples on certain nights, but the deal didn't extend to homosexuals. They have the right to serve anyone they want at any price they want, but when they discriminate against my friends they lose my business. The free market wins again.

No it's to point out what ISN'T sexism or racism, since soooo many things seems to fall under these isms we're just trying to be clear so we don't cross the invisible lines unintentionally. (Because apparently you CAN unintentionally cross the line. One would think it could only be considered an ism if it were intentional, but the rules are often altered these days. Just trying to stay abreast.)

If I may answer for myself in a circular way:

My older brother is gay. At a time in our lives when I had more gay friends than he did, he insisted I was homophobic.

The point being that even the ones you love can accuse you of being anything they wish to.

The question for me is pretty simple: is there anyone that cannot be accused of being sexist, racist, homophobic, etc? Moreover, does falling on the wrong side of a special political agenda automatically make you sexist, racist, homophobic, etc.

It does get a bit old (as a straight white male) to be labelled something you are not. I'm pretty sure that is the basis of modern politics though... slap enough negative labels on your opponent to discredit them and you win the looter's seat.

I do know far too many people who actually are at least intermittently sexist, racist, and/or homophobic, and I find their comments abhorrent.

I won't speak for LetsShrug.

YES

Probably a lesbian. Was that sexist?

You are right. Guys hate to hear that.

The way I see it...people who get offended WANT to be offended. It gives them a certain power over another person and once a person is painted hurtful or cruel the topic is lost because it puts them on the defense. I have no time for someone who's easily offended. Not to mention they are NO fun to be around anyway. I'm only willing to walk on eggshells around sleeping babies...

That's the point we're trying to prove. Anything, or almost anything, can be turned into something offensive by an offendee. PC is boxing us into corners of silence. Very INtolerant from those who love to preach tolerance, not to mention stepping pretty hard on the First Amendment.

mustard
and baby wipes

Awe, c'mon, what about rational animals that opt out of racism by their own volition... Or blind folks? I'll go post "Blind folks" on your thread.