The "Freeola Customer Forum" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
In this day and age, I think it's accurate to say that everyone wants life to be fair. Equal opportunities, women's rights, anti-racism and religious freedom. Everything is moving in the direction of giving everyone the best opportunities.
How quaint.
However, there is an obvious downside to this general policy. In fact, there are several of them. The most obvious is the clash between what is deemed to be "politically correct" and what is in fact "realistically correct". Political correctness is a term that is practically second nature to most people (especially in this country) these days. The idea is simple enough; be nice to ethnic and religious minorities, women, children and pets. Dont descriminate based solely on attributes people themselves have no capacity to influence. Excellent in theory. However, in practice, human cunning and treachery bring political correctness to have a new purpose - not to create an equal playing field, but to tip the playing field in favour of anyone who falls under the political umbrella.
It's incredibly unfortunate. Black people can cry racism if they are laid off, or denied a pay rise, or even for no reason other than to get attention. Any incidence where someone who is white is seen attacking someone who is black, thoughts jump straight to racist abuse. It could of course simply have been a standard scuffle, over events, relationships or even just money. These things happen don't they? Apparently they don't happen to black people.
Women, with their rights movement (which in itself was a perfectly fine thing to campaign for) brought sex into the workplace. Sure, they brought in talents that were otherwise lacking, or perhaps just not to scratch, but essentially they brought with them a problem. The problem is very very rarely for them to worry about, instead it's something they frequently take advantage of. This thing is "sexual discrimination". A woman gets in trouble for not completing her work "she was harrassed and having trouble at work" she doesn't make partner in the firm "because she is a woman", and if she gets fired it's because "she said 'no' to the boss".
In all honesty, political correctness, for all it's attempts to be so, is absolutely anything BUT "fair". Political Correctness makes the average white male prone to racist outbursts and sexual abuse. Or so you would think by the way those who use political correctness as a shield act.
The truth is, life isn't a level playing field. Different people have different talents, and will find different careers doing different things. Race has nothing to do with it. Sex has nothing to do with. Religion has almost nothing to do with it. Age is next to irrelevant, within certain bands of sensibility. Political Correctness only exists now so that it can be abused by the people it is there to protect.
But they no longer need protection. There is no race in the workplace. Black, white, oriental, indian whatever. If they can do the job, they can get it. Sexual discrimination is also a thing of the past. My company has at least two very important directors who are women. A woman runs Pepsi. If women can't get a job these days, it's because they aren't good enough for it.
The idea of political correctness is a good one, I agree. But it's day has passed, it's work is done. Continuing to hold political correctness around only achieves discrimination against those who aren't protected by it. Women, ethnic and religious minorities and anyone else all have secured the confidence and respect they deserve in the workplace, which is to say they are considered equals.
Drop the banner of Political Correctness before it is further abused by those it is designed to protect against those who invented it for their protection. This is the only course of action that can be considered "fair".
IB
How quaint.
However, there is an obvious downside to this general policy. In fact, there are several of them. The most obvious is the clash between what is deemed to be "politically correct" and what is in fact "realistically correct". Political correctness is a term that is practically second nature to most people (especially in this country) these days. The idea is simple enough; be nice to ethnic and religious minorities, women, children and pets. Dont descriminate based solely on attributes people themselves have no capacity to influence. Excellent in theory. However, in practice, human cunning and treachery bring political correctness to have a new purpose - not to create an equal playing field, but to tip the playing field in favour of anyone who falls under the political umbrella.
It's incredibly unfortunate. Black people can cry racism if they are laid off, or denied a pay rise, or even for no reason other than to get attention. Any incidence where someone who is white is seen attacking someone who is black, thoughts jump straight to racist abuse. It could of course simply have been a standard scuffle, over events, relationships or even just money. These things happen don't they? Apparently they don't happen to black people.
Women, with their rights movement (which in itself was a perfectly fine thing to campaign for) brought sex into the workplace. Sure, they brought in talents that were otherwise lacking, or perhaps just not to scratch, but essentially they brought with them a problem. The problem is very very rarely for them to worry about, instead it's something they frequently take advantage of. This thing is "sexual discrimination". A woman gets in trouble for not completing her work "she was harrassed and having trouble at work" she doesn't make partner in the firm "because she is a woman", and if she gets fired it's because "she said 'no' to the boss".
In all honesty, political correctness, for all it's attempts to be so, is absolutely anything BUT "fair". Political Correctness makes the average white male prone to racist outbursts and sexual abuse. Or so you would think by the way those who use political correctness as a shield act.
The truth is, life isn't a level playing field. Different people have different talents, and will find different careers doing different things. Race has nothing to do with it. Sex has nothing to do with. Religion has almost nothing to do with it. Age is next to irrelevant, within certain bands of sensibility. Political Correctness only exists now so that it can be abused by the people it is there to protect.
But they no longer need protection. There is no race in the workplace. Black, white, oriental, indian whatever. If they can do the job, they can get it. Sexual discrimination is also a thing of the past. My company has at least two very important directors who are women. A woman runs Pepsi. If women can't get a job these days, it's because they aren't good enough for it.
The idea of political correctness is a good one, I agree. But it's day has passed, it's work is done. Continuing to hold political correctness around only achieves discrimination against those who aren't protected by it. Women, ethnic and religious minorities and anyone else all have secured the confidence and respect they deserve in the workplace, which is to say they are considered equals.
Drop the banner of Political Correctness before it is further abused by those it is designed to protect against those who invented it for their protection. This is the only course of action that can be considered "fair".
IB
Hmm, i think the problems of discrimination have been a little understated here. I think some kind of a control - maybe not worker ratio quotas - should exist. But they should be minimal, and under frequent review to keep them minimal. In the name of true equality, i think caucasians and males should be 'protected' in the same manner.
Unfortunately, i couldn't think of anything better than the quotas to do it.
Still, it's worth remembering that however misguided 'positive' discrimination is, it's been put in place to protect people who really have been subjected to unfair treatment and suffering.
Times may have changed, but safeguards should, i believe, still exist. They should just be minimal, fair, and apply to everyone.
Unfortunately, i couldn't think of anything better than the quotas to do it.
Still, it's worth remembering that however misguided 'positive' discrimination is, it's been put in place to protect people who really have been subjected to unfair treatment and suffering.
Times may have changed, but safeguards should, i believe, still exist. They should just be minimal, fair, and apply to everyone.
Companies have to employ certain types of people.
They have to employ women, gays, asians, blacks, disabled people etc.
They have certain percentages which they have to meet. That is wrong.
It should be that the best person for the job gets it. If me and an asian (just for use in the argument, could be any race other than white) both go for a job, and the other person gets it because they were more suited, then fine. I'd be a little annoyed I din't get the job, but that's the way it goes.
If the other person had got the job because the company had to fulfil it's Racial Quota, then I would be really pi##ed off, as most people would, as the best person hadn't got the job, which makes the whole interview procedure pointless.
They have to employ women, gays, asians, blacks, disabled people etc.
They have certain percentages which they have to meet. That is wrong.
It should be that the best person for the job gets it. If me and an asian (just for use in the argument, could be any race other than white) both go for a job, and the other person gets it because they were more suited, then fine. I'd be a little annoyed I din't get the job, but that's the way it goes.
If the other person had got the job because the company had to fulfil it's Racial Quota, then I would be really pi##ed off, as most people would, as the best person hadn't got the job, which makes the whole interview procedure pointless.
A quick point...
Why do employers have "equal rights" policies. Why not just view all the appliations for a job, without the name or country of origin boxes, and pick the best applicant! Why should they have to employ a proportionate amount of Asians, women, black etc?
Why do employers have "equal rights" policies. Why not just view all the appliations for a job, without the name or country of origin boxes, and pick the best applicant! Why should they have to employ a proportionate amount of Asians, women, black etc?
I just heard germaine greer is attending a conference in my town. 95% of the conferences here have accomodation and facilities either in the otherwise vacant university halls of residence where i work, or the ones where i live.
I'm pretty confident that for her, equal rights means staying at a nice hotel while everyone else stays on the uni campus, but there's still a pretty good chance our paths will cross. I may even have to serve her food.
If she speaks to me, i can't guarantee that i won't say something offensive (or throw food at her). Must.. try.. to.. walk away.
Why? I believe her to perpetuate sexual discrimination with her chosen methods of campaigning, but more importantly, she gets right on my t*ts.
Whenever she's on a tv or radio debate, whatever the subject is, she always tries to turn everything round to a question of gender. I'm sure the subject is fully deserving of some good air time, but it gets it anyway, and she prevents any positive discussion of a subject by destroying it with persistant whinging. Other issues exist woman (is that a politically correct term? 'other gender person' better? ;O) ).
Example - medical ethics debate - she gets to the microphone after about 3 minutes of the thing starting. "What about the women in medicine..." End of show.
I notice that she's not appearing on much stuff these days though. : D
Sorry if that drifted a little off topic, but the issue of abuse of political correctness seemed related enough to bring it up. Rather than start a whole new topic to get it off my chest.
(Note to germaine greer - use of the terms 'gets right on my t*ts' and 'off my chest' were in no sense meant as a form of sexual discrimination or harrassment. But if you do speak to me about that, then when i ask if you'd like gravy with that, i'll mean with your face, not your chips)
I'm pretty confident that for her, equal rights means staying at a nice hotel while everyone else stays on the uni campus, but there's still a pretty good chance our paths will cross. I may even have to serve her food.
If she speaks to me, i can't guarantee that i won't say something offensive (or throw food at her). Must.. try.. to.. walk away.
Why? I believe her to perpetuate sexual discrimination with her chosen methods of campaigning, but more importantly, she gets right on my t*ts.
Whenever she's on a tv or radio debate, whatever the subject is, she always tries to turn everything round to a question of gender. I'm sure the subject is fully deserving of some good air time, but it gets it anyway, and she prevents any positive discussion of a subject by destroying it with persistant whinging. Other issues exist woman (is that a politically correct term? 'other gender person' better? ;O) ).
Example - medical ethics debate - she gets to the microphone after about 3 minutes of the thing starting. "What about the women in medicine..." End of show.
I notice that she's not appearing on much stuff these days though. : D
Sorry if that drifted a little off topic, but the issue of abuse of political correctness seemed related enough to bring it up. Rather than start a whole new topic to get it off my chest.
(Note to germaine greer - use of the terms 'gets right on my t*ts' and 'off my chest' were in no sense meant as a form of sexual discrimination or harrassment. But if you do speak to me about that, then when i ask if you'd like gravy with that, i'll mean with your face, not your chips)
Well, I have to disagree. Most executive positions were previously taken by "white males" but this is no longer the case. Both women and ethnic minorities are almost over-represented in senior positions these days. Often, when choosing successors, a senior company exec will look simply for the best suitable replacement. The only possible deterrant to the norm is if, say, a woman is appraoching "that" point in her career where she may go for children, and hence a hefty amount of time off.
As for politics, Margaret Thatcher is all that needs to be said here. One of the most successful PMs in recent decades, and quite notably female. The plain fact is, women prefer not to go into politics. There are actually a lot of female politicians, they're just not high profile. They certainly have no trouble getting where they are going if they can hack the job.
The only discrimination is in our minds, and as long as the stigma of political correctness hangs over our heads, we'll believe that we are the bad guys. No more. I've done nothing wrong, and I refuse to have my hands binded so that my equals can surpass me.
As for politics, Margaret Thatcher is all that needs to be said here. One of the most successful PMs in recent decades, and quite notably female. The plain fact is, women prefer not to go into politics. There are actually a lot of female politicians, they're just not high profile. They certainly have no trouble getting where they are going if they can hack the job.
The only discrimination is in our minds, and as long as the stigma of political correctness hangs over our heads, we'll believe that we are the bad guys. No more. I've done nothing wrong, and I refuse to have my hands binded so that my equals can surpass me.
A good post, with lots of good points.
However, I think that there is still sexual and racial discrimination in the workplace, simply because the people in high places used ot be white males, and so they like to appoint white males to succeed them, and so on...
Some professions are very elitist, such as politics.
There are a ridiculous amount of white mail MPs. Now, you might say that, with the amount of white people to black paople or ethnic people ratio, it is only natural that there will be more white people in office at any profession in this country. Fair enough.
But why so few women? There are more women in th UK than men, so ther should be almost equal amounts of MPs, right?
Wrong. The politicians in the House Of Commons are mostly white males, and they have to vote in new MPs, and they all choose white males. This deterres women and so this will continue.
So, there is not complete equality in all workplaces yet
However, I think that there is still sexual and racial discrimination in the workplace, simply because the people in high places used ot be white males, and so they like to appoint white males to succeed them, and so on...
Some professions are very elitist, such as politics.
There are a ridiculous amount of white mail MPs. Now, you might say that, with the amount of white people to black paople or ethnic people ratio, it is only natural that there will be more white people in office at any profession in this country. Fair enough.
But why so few women? There are more women in th UK than men, so ther should be almost equal amounts of MPs, right?
Wrong. The politicians in the House Of Commons are mostly white males, and they have to vote in new MPs, and they all choose white males. This deterres women and so this will continue.
So, there is not complete equality in all workplaces yet
In this day and age, I think it's accurate to say that everyone wants life to be fair. Equal opportunities, women's rights, anti-racism and religious freedom. Everything is moving in the direction of giving everyone the best opportunities.
How quaint.
However, there is an obvious downside to this general policy. In fact, there are several of them. The most obvious is the clash between what is deemed to be "politically correct" and what is in fact "realistically correct". Political correctness is a term that is practically second nature to most people (especially in this country) these days. The idea is simple enough; be nice to ethnic and religious minorities, women, children and pets. Dont descriminate based solely on attributes people themselves have no capacity to influence. Excellent in theory. However, in practice, human cunning and treachery bring political correctness to have a new purpose - not to create an equal playing field, but to tip the playing field in favour of anyone who falls under the political umbrella.
It's incredibly unfortunate. Black people can cry racism if they are laid off, or denied a pay rise, or even for no reason other than to get attention. Any incidence where someone who is white is seen attacking someone who is black, thoughts jump straight to racist abuse. It could of course simply have been a standard scuffle, over events, relationships or even just money. These things happen don't they? Apparently they don't happen to black people.
Women, with their rights movement (which in itself was a perfectly fine thing to campaign for) brought sex into the workplace. Sure, they brought in talents that were otherwise lacking, or perhaps just not to scratch, but essentially they brought with them a problem. The problem is very very rarely for them to worry about, instead it's something they frequently take advantage of. This thing is "sexual discrimination". A woman gets in trouble for not completing her work "she was harrassed and having trouble at work" she doesn't make partner in the firm "because she is a woman", and if she gets fired it's because "she said 'no' to the boss".
In all honesty, political correctness, for all it's attempts to be so, is absolutely anything BUT "fair". Political Correctness makes the average white male prone to racist outbursts and sexual abuse. Or so you would think by the way those who use political correctness as a shield act.
The truth is, life isn't a level playing field. Different people have different talents, and will find different careers doing different things. Race has nothing to do with it. Sex has nothing to do with. Religion has almost nothing to do with it. Age is next to irrelevant, within certain bands of sensibility. Political Correctness only exists now so that it can be abused by the people it is there to protect.
But they no longer need protection. There is no race in the workplace. Black, white, oriental, indian whatever. If they can do the job, they can get it. Sexual discrimination is also a thing of the past. My company has at least two very important directors who are women. A woman runs Pepsi. If women can't get a job these days, it's because they aren't good enough for it.
The idea of political correctness is a good one, I agree. But it's day has passed, it's work is done. Continuing to hold political correctness around only achieves discrimination against those who aren't protected by it. Women, ethnic and religious minorities and anyone else all have secured the confidence and respect they deserve in the workplace, which is to say they are considered equals.
Drop the banner of Political Correctness before it is further abused by those it is designed to protect against those who invented it for their protection. This is the only course of action that can be considered "fair".
IB
How quaint.
However, there is an obvious downside to this general policy. In fact, there are several of them. The most obvious is the clash between what is deemed to be "politically correct" and what is in fact "realistically correct". Political correctness is a term that is practically second nature to most people (especially in this country) these days. The idea is simple enough; be nice to ethnic and religious minorities, women, children and pets. Dont descriminate based solely on attributes people themselves have no capacity to influence. Excellent in theory. However, in practice, human cunning and treachery bring political correctness to have a new purpose - not to create an equal playing field, but to tip the playing field in favour of anyone who falls under the political umbrella.
It's incredibly unfortunate. Black people can cry racism if they are laid off, or denied a pay rise, or even for no reason other than to get attention. Any incidence where someone who is white is seen attacking someone who is black, thoughts jump straight to racist abuse. It could of course simply have been a standard scuffle, over events, relationships or even just money. These things happen don't they? Apparently they don't happen to black people.
Women, with their rights movement (which in itself was a perfectly fine thing to campaign for) brought sex into the workplace. Sure, they brought in talents that were otherwise lacking, or perhaps just not to scratch, but essentially they brought with them a problem. The problem is very very rarely for them to worry about, instead it's something they frequently take advantage of. This thing is "sexual discrimination". A woman gets in trouble for not completing her work "she was harrassed and having trouble at work" she doesn't make partner in the firm "because she is a woman", and if she gets fired it's because "she said 'no' to the boss".
In all honesty, political correctness, for all it's attempts to be so, is absolutely anything BUT "fair". Political Correctness makes the average white male prone to racist outbursts and sexual abuse. Or so you would think by the way those who use political correctness as a shield act.
The truth is, life isn't a level playing field. Different people have different talents, and will find different careers doing different things. Race has nothing to do with it. Sex has nothing to do with. Religion has almost nothing to do with it. Age is next to irrelevant, within certain bands of sensibility. Political Correctness only exists now so that it can be abused by the people it is there to protect.
But they no longer need protection. There is no race in the workplace. Black, white, oriental, indian whatever. If they can do the job, they can get it. Sexual discrimination is also a thing of the past. My company has at least two very important directors who are women. A woman runs Pepsi. If women can't get a job these days, it's because they aren't good enough for it.
The idea of political correctness is a good one, I agree. But it's day has passed, it's work is done. Continuing to hold political correctness around only achieves discrimination against those who aren't protected by it. Women, ethnic and religious minorities and anyone else all have secured the confidence and respect they deserve in the workplace, which is to say they are considered equals.
Drop the banner of Political Correctness before it is further abused by those it is designed to protect against those who invented it for their protection. This is the only course of action that can be considered "fair".
IB