02-04-2009, 05:47 AM
Some people do get too overly sensitive, you are right. But each individual has a set of unique things that touch their buttons.....in communication we call these "trigger words." Such words and communication can result in setting people off. An attempt to understand what might be a trigger for most people in a general way helps one to avoid conflicts. The tricky thing is that trigger words are unique based on individual personalities so it can be difficult and painstaking to be always pc. Sometimes frustrating for sure. But nevertheless it's common moral sense to view everyone as equal to everyone else and creating positive communication climates in which all individuals are valued is basically the idealistic goal. Your comment about individualism is very insightful. Stereotypes which clump people into groups and categorize them are highly subversive to individuality. Individual people have their complex personalities reduced to just their race or ethnic background. Their rich individual personality becomes unrecognized, but they just are recognized for their ethnic background only. That asian guy, that hispanic guy, that white guy, that purple guy. Well there's alot more to those people than just their race. But yes, there are some folks who do take things to the extreme and need to lighten up.....on the other hand, there are times when people should call some morally problematic things out. There is a time for everything.
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