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Political correctness gone haywire...
Published on August 19, 2005 By dynamaso In Misc
I'm not politically correct. But then I'm not politically incorrect either. I am my own person and choose to think and speak as I see fit. I am polite. I say please and thank you. I hold doors open for people and I do my best to remain patient and mindful. But I don't give a rats arse for anybody who thinks our language and culture need to be sanitised to the point where it is as weak as watered down beer. Damn them and their PC ways, I say.

In today's Sydney Morning Herald, an article about the use of the word 'mate' in our Federal Parliament really got to me. Apparently, some high-falutin' senior government person issued a memo saying the use of the word 'mate' was not appropriate language (the article stated that no individual had claimed responsibility - that bloody Mr. or Mrs. Nobody is now in politics).

Any of you who have corresponded with me over the last (not quite) 12 months will know I use the word 'mate' all the time. It is not a term I restrict to my male friends either. In fact, it is not a term I necessarily use for just friends. The word 'mate' is part of our national identity. It is a word my grandfather used, in the same way I use it today. It is part of who we are and how we think. For anyone to suggest it is inappropriate just doesn't understand what it is to be Australian. The very fact that this memo was issued from inside our Federal Parliament is particularly worrying. It shows a distinct lact of understanding of what it is to be an 'Aussie'. It shows a distinct lack of understanding of the Australian way of life. But once again, it also shows the great divide between our representatives and our general population. If these people are supposed to be representing us, but obviously don't have any real idea of how we think, then whose interests are they looking after? Certainly not mine.

Comments
on Aug 19, 2005
I am strongly in favour of many elements of "PC", but I agree this is a ridiculous one. In fact, it is because of my "gender is a social construct" stance, that I deliberately make sure I use the term "mate" for women as well as men, and for boys and girls in the classroom. I'm not trying to masculinise anyone, it's just a good, affectionate term.

Give that woman a Hahn Lite!
on Aug 19, 2005
Heh, the question I always ask is don't these politicians have better things to do? I mean, shit! All the good that could be done and they haggle on and on about this? How ridiculous! I assumed that MAte was just a word meaning friend or as we say in Texas, the spanish Amigo. Huh, go figure...
on Aug 20, 2005
So I guess they can't use words like "Classmate", "Workmate" or "Amalgamate" anymore? ;~D

At the risk of breaking Australian law, or sounding woefully un PC..... G'day Mate!!
on Aug 21, 2005
Champas,

it's just a good, affectionate term


It is indeed. It is as much a part of our vernacular as 'G'day'. I've only ever had one person react badly and she was a rabid feminist who saw sexual harrassment and wrong-doing in any innocent word or gesture. She was so rapid even feminists thought she was too hardline. Thanks for your comment, mate.

Shovel,

don't these politicians have better things to do?


Yes, I've been wondering the same thing. I would like to think they might be concentrating on bigger issues like oh, lets say health or education or maybe even welfare. Hmm, but no, this is much more important - we better not offend anybody with a colloquialism implying friendship, team spirit and the support network of a nation. Thanks for your comments too, mate.

Ted,

Good to see you. And I agree. Once they start with one word, where does it stop? G'day back to you, mate.

Cheers,

Maso