Use of language to dehumanize and silence
Good to see you again Mr. Rock. You’re making this a personal issue for me as I have a preference for the romantic company of intelligent men.
The left only sees me as a victim of my sexuality, while the right sees me as a whole equal person.
“Gay” or LGBTQ (alphabet people) are descriptors of common interest, not a homogenous group. I don’t have common interests with the rest of the alphabet. (Perhaps bi men.)
“Moron” “imbecile” or “idiot” originates with the progressive American eugenic movement. Back then they were scientific terms. IQ tests were administered. Those scoring below 20 were classified as “idiots,” 20-49 “imbeciles,” 50-69 “morons,” 70-80 “on the borderline,” 80-90 “dull.” (International Classification of Diseases ICD-9, 1977) The use of language to dehumanize and silence is not new. “Racist”, “bigot”, “homophobe” is the current equivalent.
Mr. Rock’s argument that the use of “preference” is offensive to LGBTQ and should be condemned is just a form of shooting the messenger or an ad hominem fallacy. This is a way to avoid dealing with the real issues. Character assassination both discredits and distracts, most importantly it serves as an example that personal attacks and punishment are to be expected if your opinions differ.
The political correctness tactic also incorporates Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals, rule 5: “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon. There is no defense. It is almost impossible to counterattack ridicule. Also, it infuriates the opposition, who then react to your advantage.”
S. Innis
Duncan
