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	Vol.7, No 10, September 15, 1999
	A spade is still a spade There is a dogma in American society. It has been growing for some time. It is the verbal assault on free speech Ö political correctness.    For years we have had to censor and limit what we say because we might hurt someoneís feelings.   Gone are the days of calling a person short, fat, skinny or bald. And using terms with any reference to gender has become down right dangerous.    Instead we are supposed to be politically correct. We are supposed to respect the rights and feelings of all.   All this hyper-sensitivity that helped spread the political correctness disease has gotten out of control. Whatever happened to the days of calling a spade a spade, a dog a dog and an ogre an ogre?   And the worst part is that the people most offended by political incorrectness are not the people one might expect. Usually the person who maybe the target of political incorrectness is not as outraged and offended as those close to person with the "ailment."   There is an old saying that dates back before many of our childhood. The saying goes: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.   While there are some words that may be hurtful, the injury is more psychological than physical. Often times a case of "tougher feelings" would probably ease the pain as quick as a bottle of painkillers.   Another schoolyard limerick also comes to mind: I'm rubber and you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.   These may seem like ridiculous, childish taunts. That is the point. These silly sayings are just as ridiculous as the need for political correctness.		Teachers stress improved training Computer jobs hottest in market Package frightens residents Campus moms get support Center answers students' career questions, problems L.B. department aids job seekers Temporary jobs provide experience to students Grad advice eases student confusion A spade is still a spade U.S. owes E. Timor more than money Peruvian artist displays talent Gallo comes home Determination equals victory Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.