I think you just "won" Mardi Gras with this post.    +1

Respect and tolerance is a two way street or a double standard is created. If a group of people demand respect/tolerance from others, then they should respect/tolerate the others back. If they don't, something is very wrong.

In a world dominated by political correctness, we would all feel like we're walking on egg shells, constantly afraid to blurt something out that *might* offend or set off one of the thousand of different minority groups that exist. Constantly navigating through a mine field, which is extremely unhealthy. It is also a double standard, because, as you pointed out so well, the minorities in question will have no such problems in calling us assholes, or whatever they deem appropriate, to 'put us in our place'.

So to all the PC guys: grow up and get a spine!

That's one of many things I loved about George Carlin! He didn't give a shit about PC.

To quote him:

"It's all bullshit.........and it's bad for ya"

Hehe, nothing like being brutal and to the point, is there!

And sometimes, when being polite fails, saying the one thing they [whoever it is] least wants to hear is the key to attaining peace and quiet.

Yeah, some work mates and I were at a work Christmas break up party when this group of women [real feminist types, too] accosted us over somebody cling-wrapping all the toilets in the ladies room, and several of them getting wet behinds.  Despite our protests of innocence [and we didn't do it] we got and expletive laden diatribe of how we were low-life males with just one thing on our minds, blah, blah, blah.  Well after a few minutes of copping this ear bashing, I'd heard enough and interrupted with: "Yes, we are low-life chauvinist pigs with only one thing on our minds and... how about you bitches show us your tits?"

I got the desired result, though!  Yup, they stormed off in a huff and left us in peace to enjoy the rest of the party.  No, it wasn't the ideal thing to say, but at the time it seemed the better option to a feminist lecture that would have led to an argument that would have turned ugly after they'd indulged in a few more free rums.

The List:
Virus
Shark
T-Rex
Hitler
It is up to God to change the list
unless humans are the god they are looking for.

I'm no god, but I want to add to that list....

Julia Gillard {Oz PM]... because politically, she's so incorrect.

Now some will call me an asshole for saying that - and others, a misogynist - but I have broad shoulders and will survive.

I'm gay myself (happy and proud bear) and you all are entitled to your own opinions. That's all I have to say on this subject

Lemme break down my thoughts on a few things I've read in this thread. 

The old name-calling game: If your personal friends don't mind you calling them a poofter or a dyke, then it is acceptable in their company to do so. Nobody is offended. If, however, you walk up to a stranger and do the same thing, you better be prepared for a backlash that is well deserved. It is not the words/names used, it is the intent behind the words that are the problem. 

The pride factor: It has nothing to do with whining or wanting to be seen as better than others.  It has to do with feeling EQUAL to others. Those individuals who have never been oppressed don't need to display pride in the same way an oppressed person does because they have not lived a life where they are seen as (and classified as) second class citizens at the least, and damned to burn in hell for eternity at the worst. 

How is being upset about being called an asshole any less whining than being upset about being called a faggot? I can't help being a faggot. I can, however, refrain from being an asshole.

Well said and to all of you who are so proud of being intolerant I would like to see you walk a mile in a minorities shoes. 

As usual this whole thing just breaks down into cheap jokes.

I guess what it comes down to is what should be acceptable language, that which is politically correct, and what's way over the top.  For me, being called an asshole is not offensive, because many people I know use it as term of endearment, not as an insult, and thus I have become immune to its further, possible inclinations/connotations. 

I do have gay friends and acquaintances! To those gay friends who refer to themselves as queer, dyke, faggot, etc, I will use the same as a term of endearment, to acknowledge their presence, but only if they have no issue with it.  However, I will not use those terms with mere acquaintance whom I hardly know.  If I have no knowledge of their personal acceptance, level of tolerance, then I call them by name and treat them as I would hope they'd treat me... respectfully.

No, what my objection is, is toward these politically correct do-gooders who champion politically correct causes and nine times out of ten they're not even gay or from this or that minority group.  These are the people who piss me off, because all too often they create negative and unwanted attention to people who can not only champion their own causes more than adequately when needed, but who'd rather be left alone to manage their own lives. 

So no, when I speak out against the politically correct assholes who take things too far, I do not refer to gay or minority groups.  No, these people have way too much pride and dignity to be thumping their chests about it or banging on politicians doors trying to outlaw certain terms that may [or may not] be considered offensive... and then only to some. For the most part, I've found the most vocal advocates of political correctness to be 'career activists'... if there's a protest or bandwagon to jump on, they'll be on it... not because it's personal or they believe, but because it's another outlet where they can bang drums and bump their gums.  These are the people I dislike, because they make mountains out of molehills purely for recognition... and worst of all... without any sincerity in their actions, or truth.