Let's be careful

In my view, we have confused political correctness [suggesting conformity or variance from some political ideology] with having good manners and being considerate of those who are different from one's self.  

Indeed, the choice of words can get tricky.  In fact, even capitalizing the first letter of the word has meaning.  In one post I used the word creator to signify what ever got this universe going, whether just a natural phenomena of astro physics with the big bang an all, or an intentional consciousness that may or may not have been involved in the detailed formation of our known universe.  I ended up capitalizing the C in the word because I didn't want to create a conflict with our brothers and sisters who are of a more active religious persuasion than I.  

Originally posted by lostagain Happy, I agree with you that freedom of speech is important but we also have to keep in mind that there is a difference in freedom of speech in a private setting as opposed to a governmental entity trying to limit speech.  Here we have a private forum and though such freedom is important, it is also important to keep in mind that if political/religious/gun discussions get started here they can spin out of control at the speed of light, or at least the movement of electrons in the internet, and turn into a bitter battle.  This has happened in the past.  So freedom of speech in a private context is a very different concept that it would be if you wanted to publish a news paper. Excessive political correctness [which includes excessive religious correctness] is also tricky situation.  Different folks have different levels of sensitivity.  Though in an ideal world, we should all have thick skins and not let someone else's comment get to us, it happens and big arguments start.  Thus, in an effort to avoid these unnecessary conflicts and continue sharing valuable information, it is best to err on the side of being a little too good mannered rather than overly blunt.   The problem that we all face is when does something become "excessive" in regard to the topics to be avoided.  That's an impossible question to answer as each person has his/her own level of tolerance.  Again, maybe the best course of action is to err on the side of caution and to try to be as factual as one may be under the circumstances.   On this board, and I've moderated other boards, we have a very good balance.  Let's keep it that way.

Very well stated. Thank you!

The "religious" folks, over the years, have caused me more grief than all others combined...by a wide margin.

One issue is that even one ignored instance "opens the door" and things begin to spiral out of control very quickly. Also, IMHO, we tend to think in the very narrow terms that everyone believes the same as we do and/or that our beliefs are somehow superior to those of others. We MUST defiantly break any rule or custom that would get in the way of imposing our beliefs on the "unwashed".

I chaff at the term "political correctness". This isn't about that at all. It IS about being respectful/considerate of those individuals who's faith/beliefs may differ or, be in direct conflict with our own. For the same reasons that we don't turn on the exterior speakers of our camper and play loud music all night...we respect that others might not enjoy our genre of music and/or choose to sleep during the dark hours. IMHO, that is not practicing "political correctness". It is simply being respectful of others (and campground rules - which exist to help insure the enjoyment of everyone).

So, yes, I would say if we are using words like "GOD", "our creator", etc., we are very likely straying into matters of our personal religion/faith.

The owner and caretakers of the forum have determined long ago that it is in the best interest of all that we not speak to matters of religion, politics, sex and weapons. If we choose to willfully defy and disrespect then, we leave them with few options. Do our actions reflect the "faith" that we so fervently insist that others follow?      

Happy, I agree with you that freedom of speech is important but we also have to keep in mind that there is a difference in freedom of speech in a private setting as opposed to a governmental entity trying to limit speech.  Here we have a private forum and though such freedom is important, it is also important to keep in mind that if political/religious/gun discussions get started here they can spin out of control at the speed of light, or at least the movement of electrons in the internet, and turn into a bitter battle.  This has happened in the past.  So freedom of speech in a private context is a very different concept that it would be if you wanted to publish a news paper.