Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones
And words CAN really hurt me

Eugene Robinson’s WP column Accepting Diversity Is Hard but Necessary ignited my brain into another rant.

I am amazed at how willingly liberals have conceded the notion of political correctness. Okay, sure, there are silly examples of attempts to erase racism and sexism from our language, but is the initiative to be judged by its worst examples? Isn’t that how we often judge ethnic groups we don’t like?

Political correctness is absurd only if you don’t believe in the power of words to shape perception. If words don’t have that power, why the great backlash against change? Accepted usage seems superior unless it is challenged.

Not too many years ago many people thought it was ridiculous to re-label our first responders. Now people would be jarred if a woman were called a policeman or fireman. As a result, women have eagerly embraced new employment opportunities, now that the job title doesn’t exclude them.

Ridiculous results come from the remaining vestiges of sexist and racist language. The TV show "Commander in Chief" highlights the problem faced by the first husband of a president. How would you like to be a man called "First Lady"? Yet that very language demonstrates how words can serve as barriers to change and confirm sexist stereotypes.

Some day soon I feel a rant about affirmative action coming on.