Et Tu, Secretaries?

In yesterday's post, I alluded to being rescued by an Elvis impersonator. In the story I told how the gentleman had told my friend Dan and I that they (Elvis impersonators) preferred the term "Elvis Tribute Artists." I was devastated to discover that even Elvis Impersonators had fallen to the temptation of Political Correctness.

A couple of days ago, I recieved another blow. I was at the grocery store and saw a large sign advertising candy and flowers to celebrate "Administrative Professionals Day" on April 25 (obviously the sign was an old one).

I was puzzled-- what twisted maniac would set aside a day to celebrate bureaucrats? Then it dawned on me-- flowers, candy...it was the PC term for Secretaries Day.

I'll be straight-- I hate political correctness. As a progressive, a lefty, whatever, I've seen discussions in organizations screech to a halt as they failed to even agree on the terms of the discussion. I've been castigated for saying hispanic instead of latino. I've watched conversations become awkward as someone tried to decide whether they should say "Black" or "African-American."

I cheered when events for disabled people were added to the Olympics-- I have an enormous admiration for anyone who overcomes difficulties to excel at something. I was then disgusted as a debate over what term to use for it turned into a stupid brawl-- "Handicapped" and "Disabled" were negative. So what to use instead? "Differently Abled?" For god's sake, "Handicapable?" I found the alternative terms way more patronizing than the original ones.

I think the low point of the PC wave was when a tiny minority of gay activists demanded that the term "queer" become the only acceptable term for homosexuals. My best friend Jim, who is gay, was disgusted-- he pointed out that he'd spent his whole life fighting for respect, and he was not going to suddenly embrace an offensive term because a shrill minority demanded it.

My mother spent nearly her whole working life as a secretary. If you asked her what she did before she retired she'll tell you-- "I was a secretary." She'd laugh if you referred to her as an "Administrative Professional." She was a secretary, and a damned good one.

So I urge you-- resist the tide of silly PC-ness. Take back Secretaries' Day, in the name of my mother, in the name of all the secretaries who, let's face, really run the world. Fight the Power.