Do Americans need to toughen up?

[Burgold]

I'm talking about PCism? I'm talking about being able to take a joke? I'm talking about withstanding a booing?

I remember when I was a kid that we used to gather in groups after school and see who could come up with the best insult. Later, I went to comedy clubs and laughed at Polish jokes (I have Polish heritage) and have laughed at endless streams of Jewish jokes coming from Borscht Belt comics.

Today though, the slightest hint at noncomplimentary language has people all in a tizzy. Groups gather to watch movies with a microscope and try to censor them or boycott them if the director chose the wrong lighting or cued darker music upon the entrance of a character. We're even worse in politics.

"This is the first time I'm proud to be an American"

Oh dear Lord, the horror. I'm going to faint. Booing a President at a ball game. Good grief! Don't they know that exercising freedom of speech is anti-American. "a typical white woman" For shame, I've never heard such coarse and defamatory language!

Has PCism crept into our blood and wimpified us that much that we are outraged at every little thing. Are we that much of an eggshell nation? I do believe that words have power, but I also know that words have the power we give them. Why are we so easily offended, outraged, and nauseated by things that our fathers and grandfathers wouldn't even have paused at?

[ldysknzfn1]

Good question. And I think people are way overly sensitive these days. We've created this w/the constant "babying" of our kids. We protect them from things that are meant to teach them life lessons and then when they can't get themselves out of a situation or solve a problem we wonder why.

PC'ism has gotten out of control. Folks are afraid to say what they feel for fear of offending someone. I agree w/you when you say words have power but those same words only have the power we give them. It's ridiculous the way things are now. Everything is micro-analyzed to the billionth degree and we can't see the forest for the trees.

[GibbsFactor]

As I sit on the Acela typing this on my way to NY, yes we have it too easy.

Even our homeless are fat.

You may ask yourself what does that have to do with anything and I say everything.

Our lives are so easy we must find anything to ***** and complain about. What's fair, what's offensive. It's pathetic. All because we no longer need to worry about basic survival skills, food, water, etc... The only things we have to worry about is how someone looks at us, what others think of us and who won last nights March Madness games.

We are all truly blessed and need to wake up and stop being so damn sensitive. Life could be and perhaps should be worse.

[twa]

Has PCism crept into our blood and wimpified us that much that we are outraged at every little thing. Are we that much of an eggshell nation? I do believe that words have power, but I also know that words have the power we give them. Why are we so easily offended, outraged, and nauseated by things that our fathers and grandfathers wouldn't even have paused at?

You must remember different times in our youth.

The focus has simply shifted to different things(though many of your examples are a backlash against liberal PC stands in the past...Shoe is on the the other foot )

Being too PC is not a problem for me.

[Burgold]

You must remember different times in our youth.

The focus has simply shifted to different things(though many of your examples are a backlash against liberal PC stands in the past...Shoe is on the the other foot )

Being too PC is not a problem for me.

I do think that there is a liberal AND a conservative PC and I think both our out of control

Traditional Liberal PCism-- We believe in freedom of speech and expression, but don't you dare say anything about race or religion.

Traditional Conservative PCism-- We believe in freedom of speech and expression, but don't you dare say anything about the President, the millitary, the Government, America, or me. Also, don't you show boobies in magazines or in the movies and no vulgar language allowed you bunch of rotten pottie mouths, especially in your Roch-n-Rude or Hop Hip music!

[Kosher Ham]

PC is BS.

It's gone too far. Sad really.

[mardi gras skin]

"This is the first time I'm proud to be an American"

Oh dear Lord, the horror. I'm going to faint. Booing a President at a ball game. Good grief! Don't they know that exercising freedom of speech is anti-American. "a typical white woman" For shame, I've never heard such coarse and defamatory language!

I think Bush should suck it up and accept all the booing he gets for dumb choices he's made. I think Mrs. Obama should suck it up and accept all the booing she gets for her dumb comments too. :2cents:

[Burgold]

I think Bush should suck it up and accept all the booing he gets for dumb choices he's made. I think Mrs. Obama should suck it up and accept all the booing she gets for her dumb comments too. :2cents:

Actually, from the pictures I would say President Bush and Mrs. Obama handled their chastising with decent grace. It's us, the American people who often act like such porceline dolls. It's the pundits, rabble rousers, and masses who always need a hanky these days.

[Kosher Ham]

Stop raising little softy kids. All of them are not winners.

[Raub]

I blame all the artificial hormones used in food products like dairy, beef, and pork. It's turned us into a nation of overly-estrogenic pansies. (Hey, you asked).

[PleaseBlitz]

Yes. Life is very easy in the US for many people, so that breeds weak people that need to find SOMETHING to ***** about. That's where PCness comes from.

[mardi gras skin]

Actually, from the pictures I would say President Bush and Mrs. Obama handled their chastising with decent grace. It's us, the American people who often act like such porceline dolls. It's the pundits, rabble rousers, and masses who always need a hanky these days.

So, the people defending Mrs. Obama and President Bush are the crybabies?

I think your point that people need to toughen up is great. I think your examples are just politics. Nothing new.

[Fergasun]

Thanks boomers... you guys suck!

[wysknz1]

WE have commercials that run on the radio about how you shouldn't boo and you should applaud good play on both sides and not wave your hands behind the backboard during free throws etc etc.

The at Uof Wyo. the students used to read newspapers and boo the other team during the introductions. The cheer the UW team. When the intros were over the students would wad up the papers and throw them out on the floor. It's been banned as poor sportsmanship and the throwing of paper is "dangerous".

I think things have gone way too far.

The a coupl years ago my son was in a soccer tournament. They got like 5th place or something and got a 3 foot tall trophy. All the kids thought it was more a slap in the face. Even 10 year olds know when it's gone overboard.

[PleaseBlitz]

I thought this thread was going to be about people ****ing about having to walk 5 blocks to the Nats Stadium yesterday. :laugh:

There hasnt been baseball in DC for 30 years, OH NO, I have to walk 3/4 of a mile. (hint, you NEED to walk more, fatass.)

[Corcaigh]

I'm not sure about toughening up - it's more that everyone seems to think opinions have equal value.

You have the right to express an opinion but you do not have the right to be listened to and you are certainly not owed a response.

[Burgold]

So, the people defending Mrs. Obama and President Bush are the crybabies?

I think your point that people need to toughen up is great. I think your examples are just politics. Nothing new.

I think I've been insulted... I should be offended. Except that I can't because that would prove the thread's point. I don't know how to respond Fadeaway to computer exploding and Kirk smirking. :laugh:

Yeah, they're just the most recent examples, so they prompted the thread. I don't believe in censorship in most forms. It bugs me when parent groups want to censor video games or religious groups want to censor Disney movies. It bugs me when political groups declare that it is treason to voice disagreement with a political position. I really dislike the rallying cry of "You're anti-American!" There are a few times where censorship does make sense, but often that has more to do with sensoring info than opinions.

I believe that the KKK or the Neo Nazis should have the right to parade and share their disgusting views (I disagree that they have the right to exist, but that's a different issue) I believe that if someone wants to buy offensive and profanity laced videos or cds that's on them. I also think that if people want to express their dissatisfaction... that's okay too.

Mind you, the where is extremely important. At a ball game, at a political rally... say whatever you want. At a Marines funeral. Shut the heck up, take off your hat and show respect.

[Corcaigh]

The at Uof Wyo. the students used to read newspapers and boo the other team during the introductions. The cheer the UW team. When the intros were over the students would wad up the papers and throw them out on the floor. It's been banned as poor sportsmanship and the throwing of paper is "dangerous".

I think things have gone way too far.

Whenever I played against a team whose spectators that couldn't show respect to the other team during introductions, we were always happy to respond with cheap shots, late hits and particularly running up the score. Each to his own. :laugh:

[Burgold]

I thought this thread was going to be about people ****ing about having to walk 5 blocks to the Nats Stadium yesterday. :laugh:

There hasnt been baseball in DC for 30 years, OH NO, I have to walk 3/4 of a mile. (hint, you NEED to walk more, fatass.)

Well, yeah... that too. Bunch of fat, slob crybabies. :tantrum:

Totally deserving of its own rant PleaseBlitz. A very worthy topic. I also love it when people circle the parking lot for a half hour looking for a closer spot... AT THE GYM.

[PleaseBlitz]

Well, yeah... that too. Bunch of fat, slob crybabies. :tantrum:

Totally deserving of its own rant PleaseBlitz. A very worthy topic. I also love it when people circle the parking lot for a half hour looking for a closer spot... AT THE GYM.

:laugh:

Sorry, just thought it was funny.

Back to politics as usual.

[Fergasun]

I'm not sure about toughening up - it's more that everyone seems to think opinions have equal value.

You have the right to express an opinion but you do not have the right to be listened to and you are certainly not owed a response.

There is no longer a "right" and "wrong" answer... and all of your questions can be solved by 1) A pill, 2) Therapy, or 3) Money and a girl 20 years younger than you are (and 1).

OK, I blame boomers solely because I believe they have been the driving political/social force of the past 20 years and have been in charge since ~ 1990. It's not that I think most of them are bad, I think most of them are ignorant about how smart their children are. It's not just the 3-foot trophy for 5th or 6th place, but it's the belief that your kid is the best basketball player ever and *deserves* to play at least 2/3rds of every game. Really? You think kids still can't tell who sucks and who doesn't? Furthermore (since we are talking youth sports), it's always about your son's team winning, and winning is the most important thing... instead of just encouraging the kids to have fun, try their best, and show good character... it's about making your son into the next Pele. And then when he's still not the next Pele or Barry Bonds you can go hire a private coach. Really, this attitude was prevalent in the 1970s and early 1980s?

I swear I could go on and on about great inventions like the "no fault" divorce, or Viagra, the partisan divide in politics, the class/social divide, etc... all things that the boomers have added fuel to the fire... at least I think they have done a good job towards race relations in this country... but when I think about "leadership" in all walks of life I just think there's a vacuum....

[Sarge]

It's alittle before it's annual posting on Memorial Day, but can you all imagine George Patton around today?

He'd be in jail.

He also warned us about turning soft 60 years ago

http://www.5ad.org/Patton_speech.htm

Be seated.

Men, this stuff that some sources sling around about America wanting out of this war, not wanting to fight, is a crock of bull****.

Americans love to fight, traditionally. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle.

You are here today for three reasons. First, because you are here to defend your homes and your loved ones. Second, you are here for your own self respect, because you would not want to be anywhere else.

Third, you are here because you are real men and all real men like to fight.

When you, here, everyone of you, were kids, you all admired the champion marble player, the fastest runner, the toughest boxer, the big league ball players, and the All-American football players. Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise cowards.

Americans play to win all of the time. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor will ever lose a war; for the very idea of losing is hateful to an American.

You are not all going to die. Only two percent of you right here today would die in a major battle. Death must not be feared. Death, in time, comes to all men. Yes, every man is scared in his first battle. If he says he's not, he's a liar. Some men are cowards but they fight the same as the brave men or they get the hell slammed out of them watching men fight who are just as scared as they are.

The real hero is the man who fights even though he is scared.

Some men get over their fright in a minute under fire. For some, it takes an hour. For some, it takes days. But a real man will never let his fear of death overpower his honor, his sense of duty to his country, and his innate manhood. Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best and it removes all that is base. Americans pride themselves on being He Men and they ARE He Men.

Remember that the enemy is just as frightened as you are, and probably more so. They are not supermen.

All through your Army careers, you men have ****ed about what you call 'chicken **** drilling'. That, like everything else in this Army, has a definite purpose. That purpose is alertness. Alertness must be bred into every soldier. I don't give a **** for a man who's not always on his toes. You men are veterans or you wouldn't be here. You are ready for what's to come. A man must be alert at all times if he expects to stay alive. If you're not alert, sometime, a German son-of-an-*******-***** is going to sneak up behind you and beat you to death with a sockful of ****!

There are four hundred neatly marked graves somewhere in Sicily, all because one man went to sleep on the job. But they are German graves, because we caught the **** asleep before they did.

An Army is a team. It lives, sleeps, eats, and fights as a team. This individual heroic stuff is pure horse ****. The bilious ****s who write that kind of stuff for the Saturday Evening Post don't know any more about real fighting under fire than they know about ****ing! We have the finest food, the finest equipment, the best spirit, and the best men in the world. Why, by God, I actually pity those poor sons-of-****es we're going up against. By God, I do.

My men don't surrender, and I don't want to hear of any soldier under my command being captured unless he has been hit. Even if you are hit, you can still fight back That's not just bull **** either. The kind of man that I want in my command is just like the lieutenant in Libya, who, with a Luger against his chest, jerked off his helmet, swept the gun aside with one hand, and busted the hell out of the Kraut with his helmet. Then he jumped on the gun and went out and killed another German before they knew what the hell was coming off. And, all of that time, this man had a bullet through a lung. There was a real man!

All of the real heroes are not storybook combat fighters, either. Every single man in this Army plays a vital role. Don't ever let up. Don't ever think that your job is unimportant. Every man has a job to do and he must do it. Every man is a vital link in the great chain.

What if every truck driver suddenly decided that he didn't like the whine of those shells overhead, turned yellow, and jumped headlong into a ditch? The cowardly **** could say, 'Hell, they won't miss me, just one man in thousands.' But, what if every man thought that way? Where in the hell would we be now? What would our country, our loved ones, our homes, even the world, be like?

No, Goddamnit, Americans don't think like that. Every man does his job. Every man serves the whole. Every department, every unit, is important in the vast scheme of this war.

The ordnance men are needed to supply the guns and machinery of war to keep us rolling. The Quartermaster is needed to bring up food and clothes because where we are going there isn't a hell of a lot to steal. Every last man on K.P. has a job to do, even the one who heats our water to keep us from getting the 'G.I. ****s'.

Each man must not think only of himself, but also of his buddy fighting beside him. We don't want yellow cowards in this Army. They should be killed off like rats. If not, they will go home after this war and breed more cowards. The brave men will breed more brave men. Kill off the Goddamned cowards and we will have a nation of brave men.

One of the bravest men that I ever saw was a fellow on top of a telegraph pole in the midst of a furious fire fight in Tunisia. I stopped and asked what the hell he was doing up there at a time like that. He answered, 'Fixing the wire, Sir.' I asked, 'Isn't that a little unhealthy right about now?' He answered, 'Yes Sir, but the Goddamned wire has to be fixed.' I asked, 'Don't those planes strafing the road bother you?' And he answered, 'No, Sir, but you sure as hell do!' Now, there was a real man. A real soldier. There was a man who devoted all he had to his duty, no matter how seemingly insignificant his duty might appear at the time, no matter how great the odds.

And you should have seen those trucks on the rode to Tunisia. Those drivers were magnificent. All day and all night they rolled over those son-of-a-****ing roads, never stopping, never faltering from their course, with shells bursting all around them all of the time. We got through on good old American guts. Many of those men drove for over forty consecutive hours. These men weren't combat men, but they were soldiers with a job to do. They did it, and in one hell of a way they did it. They were part of a team. Without team effort, without them, the fight would have been lost. All of the links in the chain pulled together and the chain became unbreakable.

Don't forget, you men don't know that I'm here. No mention of that fact is to be made in any letters. The world is not supposed to know what the hell happened to me. I'm not supposed to be commanding this Army. I'm not even supposed to be here in England. Let the first ****s to find out be the Goddamned Germans. Some day I want to see them raise up on their piss-soaked hind legs and howl, 'Jesus Christ, it's the Goddamned Third Army again and that son-of-a-****ing-***** Patton'. We want to get the hell over there.' The quicker we clean up this Goddamned mess, the quicker we can take a little jaunt against the purple pissing Japs and clean out their nest, too. Before the Goddamned Marines get all of the credit.

Sure, we want to go home. We want this war over with. The quickest way to get it over with is to go get the ****s who started it. The quicker they are whipped, the quicker we can go home. The shortest way home is through Berlin and Tokyo. And when we get to Berlin I am personally going to shoot that paper hanging son-of-a-***** Hitler. Just like I'd shoot a snake!

When a man is lying in a shell hole, if he just stays there all day, a German will get to him eventually. The hell with that idea. The hell with taking it. My men don't dig foxholes. I don't want them to. Foxholes only slow up an offensive. Keep moving. And don't give the enemy time to dig one either. We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and by showing the Germans that we've got more guts than they have; or ever will have.

We're not going to just shoot the sons-of-****es, we're going to rip out their living Goddamned guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun **** suckers by the bushel-****ing-basket. War is a bloody, killing business. You've got to spill their blood, or they will spill yours. Rip them up the belly. Shoot them in the guts. When shells are hitting all around you and you wipe the dirt off your face and realize that instead of dirt it's the blood and guts of what once was your best friend beside you, you'll know what to do!

I don't want to get any messages saying, 'I am holding my position.' We are not holding a Goddamned thing. Let the Germans do that. We are advancing constantly and we are not interested in holding onto anything, except the enemy's balls. We are going to twist his balls and kick the living **** out of him all of the time. Our basic plan of operation is to advance and to keep on advancing regardless of whether we have to go over, under, or through the enemy. We are going to go through him like crap through a goose; like **** through a tin horn!

From time to time there will be some complaints that we are pushing our people too hard. I don't give a good Goddamn about such complaints. I believe in the old and sound rule that an ounce of sweat will save a gallon of blood. The harder WE push, the more Germans we will kill. The more Germans we kill, the fewer of our men will be killed. Pushing means fewer casualties. I want you all to remember that.

There is one great thing that you men will all be able to say after this war is over and you are home once again. You may be thankful that twenty years from now when you are sitting by the fireplace with your grandson on your knee and he asks you what you did in the great World War II, you WON'T have to cough, shift him to the other knee and say, 'Well, your Granddaddy shoveled **** in Louisiana.' No, Sir, you can look him straight in the eye and say, 'Son, your Granddaddy rode with the Great Third Army and a Son-of-a-Goddamned-***** named Georgie Patton!'"

[zoony]

As I sit on the Acela typing this on my way to NY, yes we have it too easy.

Even our homeless are fat.

You may ask yourself what does that have to do with anything and I say everything.

Our lives are so easy we must find anything to ***** and complain about. What's fair, what's offensive. It's pathetic. All because we no longer need to worry about basic survival skills, food, water, etc... The only things we have to worry about is how someone looks at us, what others think of us and who won last nights March Madness games.

We are all truly blessed and need to wake up and stop being so damn sensitive. Life could be and perhaps should be worse.

Excellent post, I couldn't agree more.

The United States today is almost an exercise in the human psyche. Our own emotions won't let us be happy.

[BigMike619]

Burgold is crying like a sissy

In all seriousness I believe that Americans on a whole are crybabies. Its like we werent taught when we were kids that crying gets you nowhere. We are spoiled and have it made so we are acting like we deserve something.

I try to model myself after my father in that no matter the situation I can adapt to it and just push thru any obstacle. I am not perfect and I get pissed off sometimes but I usually try to wait until after I am done with the problem before ****ing about it.

[Burgold]

I swear I could go on and on about great inventions like the "no fault" divorce, ...

:laugh:

I haven't really thought about that term in the abstract before, but you have a heckuva great point. If there was no fault... why the heck aren't you still married!!! Now, it may be that both are at fault, but that's a little different than "no fault"

Great point at the bizzarro feel good side of PCism.