One of the lessons that most of us learned at an early age was, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Back in my day it wasn't called “bullying,” it was called teasing. And we grew thick skin from it. Maybe today's world needs to grow a little thick skin as well. What a concept.
But today it certainly seems like there's always a bullshit story in the media about someone being offended by one word or another. The most recent “scandals” came from jokes (albeit not very fantastic ones) at the Daytime Emmys and from Gary Oldman simply voicing his outlook on several situations. It's all pretty ridiculous. To be clear here, I'm not defending what anyone says or taking a side because I do wholeheartedly think that offended people and groups have a right to their opinion as well. It's just that I also have an opinion and this is mine so buckle up.
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So let me get this straight, in America we have free speech but you are telling me that as an adult, I am not allowed to say certain words? And people are campaigning for these words to be outlawed? And this list of ever growing words are a “no-no” for me to spout but at the same time, others are allowed to say them? Hilarious. Talk about a double standard! There are certain words I don't choose to include in my vocabulary but I'll be dammed if someone is going to tell me that I can't use them. I'm not trying to not be “PC” on purpose because I happen to be very aware of where and when I say things personally. What I am saying is that we all have a right to speak our minds with our own words. The words that we choose to use at our own discretion. We were also taught to “use our words” but when we do, someone gets mad? Come on now. It's hypocritical and I think a lot of you know that.
This word policing has gone too far and I have had it with this shit (and I know I'm not alone here). I'm not saying that people should run all around town and call a stranger's child a fucktard, to call the grocery checker a stupid bitch, or to point out someone's race or religion with the sole intent to be malicious. I'm just saying it's your prerogative. I wouldn't personally do it (out loud anyway) but that's just me. And honestly, it's up to me if I want to or not! I'm also not in the public eye so no one would even give a fuck what I said. My use of any “offensive words” would never be news worthy. And trust me, I wouldn't want to be news worthy because for those who are and do voice their opinion, the news and media smear them and it's repulsive.
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And while we're being honest here, many us say a lot of shitty things in private and when someone is pushed to say it in public (such as Alec Baldwin and Jonah Hill), they get slammed by outlet's looking for a story. Oh and to top it off, the news has ZERO problem reporting that someone said a “no-no word” but when these news programs give the story, they omit this “no-no word.” Get the fuck out of here. We're adults! We all know the word that was said! You couldn't pay me enough money to sit at a news desk and report a story of this nature while knowing good and well that I have used it myself at one time or another.
At this point, I can't even count the words that we are “not allowed to say” because there are more and more “offensive” words being added every single day. It's beyond pathetic and yeah, I do think that everyone should be pissed about this. It's gone too far. Addressing this issue is all I intend to do here with this open letter. I believe in freedom of speech, I believe that we are all entitled to our own opinions, and I believe in the “to each his own mentality.” With that said I beg of you, grow a pair and stop being such hypocritical douchebags. And no, I won't apologize for saying that.
PS- After penning this I can't help but to wonder about some type of verbal outrage that could possibly come from these “hypocritical douchebags” I speak of. Maybe when they speak their mind, I'll actually get slammed for speaking mine. I'm beyond aware that some people hold onto differences of opinions almost as if they are placing them on a pedestal whereas I obviously find them laughable (hence the whole reason I felt the need to write this). Who knows, maybe this open letter will open the lines of dialogue so we can have a “part two” for this. Annnd currently overthinking again.
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Ali Lerman knows much about comedy, basketball, and celebrating Wu-Tang Wednesday. She’s been writing for sixteen years and still calls her mom with grammatical questions.