Phrases/words that set your teeth on edge.

[P. G. Tipps]

At the risk of bewildering one or two members further social engineering can be a direct assault on one's right to use perfectly normal words as they don't fit the compulsory jargon of a social-engineering section of society.

Witness the recent case of the actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, being accused of being 'racist' for uttering the simple word 'coloured' to describe non-whites.

The worst thing here was not the absurdity of the accusation but the fact that it was taken so seriously that the actor immediately apologised publicly in the most craven manner imaginable.

[Serial_Apologist]

At the risk of bewildering one or two members further social engineering can be a direct assault on one's right to use perfectly normal words as they don't fit the compulsory jargon of a social-engineering section of society.

Witness the recent case of the actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, being accused of being 'racist' for uttering the simple word 'coloured' to describe non-whites.

The worst thing here was not the absurdity of the accusation but the fact that it was taken so seriously that the actor immediately apologised publicly in the most craven manner imaginable.

I think you're mixing social engineering up with political correctness, PGT.

"Coloured" was the term used in apartheid S Africa to distinguish those of mixed race from blacks and whites.

Given the definers in this case, one should not be surprised if many are offended by its use.

[french frank]

The way I understand the usual definition of "social engineering" is that it is anything which interferes with the operation of the free market. My categories implied, not without a touch of irony, a broader definition of social engineering I thought was needed.

Perhaps I missed the irony! I didn't take 'cooperation' to have any particular connection with the Cooperative movement or similar. Or social engineering.

I suspect you had particular contexts in mind which I failed to detect.

[jean]

I think you're mixing social engineering up with political correctness, PGT.

I think he is.

"Coloured" was the term used in apartheid S Africa to distinguish those of mixed race from blacks and whites.

There was a time when it was used in the States for African Americans - it's just not used any more, though the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People still exists.

[Petrushka]

(Loudly) "I'm on the train."

While I was once alighting from the train at St Pancras I overheard someone say into their mobile phone, "I'm in Guildford at the moment"!

[french frank]

While I was once alighting from the train at St Pancras I overheard someone say into their mobile phone, "I'm in Guildford at the moment"!

Hope you shouted out: 'Oh, no s/he's not!'

[P. G. Tipps]

I think you're mixing social engineering up with political correctness, PGT.

On the contrary one is simply the mouthpiece of the other!

Never mind, S_A, anything else that sets your teeth on edge that ahinton will be utterly relaxed about ... ?

[jean]

On the contrary one is simply the mouthpiece of the other!

Now I know you're seriously confused.

[Petrushka]

Hope you shouted out: 'Oh, no s/he's not!'

Did think of that but didn't want to be responsible for a domestic upset.

[ahinton]

Never find, S_A, anything else that sets your teeth on edge that ahinton will be utterly relaxed about ... ?

Ahinton's still waiting to learn what are your recommended preferences tgo each of those phrases that you listed...

[ahinton]

Now I know you're seriously confused.

Only now?(!)...

[Penn Igor]

Have we had "hard-working people"?

You may have! I couldn't possibly comment.

[P. G. Tipps]

Now I know you're seriously confused.

http://www.rawls.org/non-ideal_backfire.html

[ahinton]

http://www.rawls.org/non-ideal_backfire.html

Does posting this link constitute a rawl plug?

("Screw that" isn't the correct answer to that rather obviously rhetorical question, by the way)...

[jean]

Someone's obsessions are showing.

...The social engineer imagines that by telling children about homosexuality, they will come to see it as normal. That is nonsense. People who don't have their wires crossed feel a simple biological revulsion to the thought of homosexuality, the same as to foul smells and bitter tastes...

Sadly for Rawls, those he thinks of as 'social engineers' have been quite successful.