ESSAYS ON SOCIETY

He or She or (It)

The appropriate pronoun for a hypothetical person is nowadays a subject of perennial prissiness. Political correctors, those self-appointed guardians of the English lexicon, are reminded that words draw their meaning from what is called 'context' (duh!). This prissiness also lacks self-consistency, insofar as hypothetical females are for some reason approved of, whereas hypothetical males will get you in the Neopuritan stocks.

Thank You for Your Sarcasm

The comtemporary practise of issuing abuse, or even threats, in order to emphasise just how polite you are, is examined. Examples are: opening doors, getting off buses, zebra crossings, and exiting car-parks; the present author cites personal experience of such abuse. The rebukers are reminded that, since a genuinely polite person already knows that he is polite, he requires no such avowal from another; and indeed, that is the true hallmark of politeness.

Rapist was Gregarious

Although we're badgered constantly about how discrimination is wrong, wrong, wrong, one prejudice thrives, and indeed is not perceived as a prejudice at all. Using many examples taken from newspapers, this essay exposes the consistent demonisation of people who are no harm to anyone. Indeed many of them are probably society's best thinkers.

Is Santa Claus a Tramp

Hirsuteness as a subject of mockery or abuse, is exposed here at length. There is a broader lesson, however, about how we accomodate difference in society. We have given certain groups special protection in the law. Just how far should this process continue? The present author has certainly received remarks that would nowadays be considered legally actionable, if they were racially motivated.

Necktie Nonchalance

The custom in which men wrap strips of cloth around their necks is examined. The reader will find no hints on how to select or knot a tie. Rather, the practise is examined from a sociological perspective. It is argued that ties are the harbinger of sartorial decline we see all around us these days, indeed, we can no longer tell the difference between a film star and a rough sleeper.

You Gonna Walk All That Way

I record some contemporary attitudes to Shanks's pony. Many car owners are not only lazy, but become indigant at having to walk a few yards, perceiving this as demeaning.  Insofar as they fear rain, I must conclude that they suffer from some mysterious dissolving disease. The cause of the 'public health crisis' is not, however, mysterious.

More Legs Better

The obsession with 'teams' in the contemporary workplace can operate to the detriment of the business, no only in that useful but politically undersirables are excluded, but also because the technically inept will build their careers by joining the religion.