Political correctness (PC), to be honest I don't care much for it myself, but I do however understand the need for it in our society. I just think some people take it a bit too far.
Case in point
Today I was pulling my last day of receptionist duty [insert happy dance here], when a client came into the office for a meeting with one of the attorneys. A few of the receptionist's jobs are to make the client comfortable, escort them into a conference room and offer them a beverage. Well, this particular woman who happened to be white, was pleasant enough and after she sat down and got comfortable I asked her if she cared for a drink and the following exchange ensued:
Me: Mrs. Smith, would you care for some water, coffee or any other beverage?
Mrs. Smith: Why yes, I would like both water and coffee. Thank you.
Me: How do you like your coffee?
Mrs. Smith: I like my coffee bl...erra ummmm...plain. Thank you.
Me: (smiling) No problem. One BLACK coffee coming up!! (walking away stifling laughter)
On the flip side.
Later on in the morning an older white couple came into the office and after escorting them in the conference room I asked the same question. Here is what happened here:
Me: Would either of you like some water, coffee or tea?
Mrs. White: Young lady can you tell me where the restroom is?
Me: Yes ma'am. Down this hallway first door to your right. (Mrs. White leaves)
Mr. White: I would like some coffee.
Me: How do you like your coffee?
Mr. White: Oh I would like some cream.
Me: Sure no problem...
Mr. White: You can stick your finger in it to sweeten it.
Me: (Me politely chuckling...as I leave the room to get the coffee)
*****upon my return with the coffee*****
Me: Here you are, Sir.
Mr. White: Thank you. Did you stick your finger in it?
Me: Sure did. Hope you like it.
We both laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Now that second exchange didn't really bother me at all it was definitely not the most PC thing for this man to say, but it was comical and broke the ice. Mrs. Smith on the other hand was nearly choking on her tongue trying not to say the word black as to not offend me.
I guess maybe I should be grateful that she was so sensitive as to not want to hurt my feelings. I don't know. When everyone strives to be so PC it drives me a little batty!! I guess I feel being a little Un-PC is not going to really hurt anyone. Am I the only one who feels this way?? We get so caught up of trying not to offend everyone that we lose the humor of it all. I guess this is easy for me to say because I am not very easily offended by people's ignorance or comments. It may not seem like it but I have a very tough exterior and most things that people say that are deemed inappropriate by society just kinda slide off my back. Now I am not saying that I have never been offended just that I look at the big picture and pick my battles.
How do you feel about political correctness? Do you think we still need this in our society? Or do you think people take it too far and we need to lighten up?
