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Subject:RE: OT: Profanity in the workplace From:"Leonard C. Porrello" <Leonard -dot- Porrello -at- SoleraTec -dot- com> To:"Al Geist" <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>, <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Thu, 4 Mar 2010 10:17:27 -0800
I think this is the distinction Dan was making when he said that
intentions are important. Like Al, I too am prone to occasional
"unconscious outbursts," and I categorize them along with other
offensive bodily functions. Hearing someone ejaculate a expletive not
unlike hearing someone flatulate loudly. It is really a problem only
when it is chronic or if the person insists on standing next to you.
Leonard
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- c
om] On Behalf Of Al Geist
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 10:02 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: OT: Profanity in the workplace
Deborah Hemstreet wrote:
" I am stunned that here in the US, I cannot speak out against Islam,
but
everyone can mock and scorn Christianity."
Who says you can't speak out against Islam. You can speak out against
any
religion; however, it is how you speak out that seems to be the problem.
In
the US, we have a long history of mocking cultures and religions that
don't
conform to our way of thinking. Look what we did to the indigenous
people
and how we treated the Chinese during the California Gold Rush, or the
Japanese during WWII. Where do you think the term "ugly American" came
about?
I admit to using GD and other similar words when I'm extremely
frustrated or
after slamming my thumb with a hammer. It's an unconscious outburst. If
I am
asked by someone not to use to words, I try to be creative with other
non-religious expressions. I also make it a point of never, ever
discussing
religion of any kind at the office as those discussions can cause
unnecessary tension among fellow workers. Away from work, I have had
long
debates about religions with everyone from a Presbyterian Minister, to a
Buddhist priest, to a born-again Christian friend, to a newly converted
Muslim. They were enlightening from a sides.
Al Geist
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