My friend Paul likes to say that since the fundamentalists have hijacked the word “Christian,” it’s actually more accepted if he refers to himself as “Catholic” rather than “Christian.” He thinks of himself as a Christian, but dares not say it, for fear people will think he’s going to preach hellfire or block admission to an abortion clinic or something.
I feel the same way about the words “patriot” and “freedom.” The first one gets attached to missiles and severe infringements on civil rights. And how much more trivial can you make a word that you attach to a side dish in order to piss off the French?
I love this country with a passion. But it’s getting harder and harder to express that. I want my words back.
I feel EXACTLY the same about the color purple. I really like purple. maybe it’s the designer in me. I’ve painted our living room a really nice, subtle purple, put a nice deep purple carpeting in our remodeled basement…my wife keeps telling me if I use any more purple in the house people are going to start to talk.
It really, seriously pisses me off that a stupid, damn stereotype should affect my use of an entire section of the color spectrum, just because some people attach it to one’s sexuality. That Jerry Fallwell/Teletubbies BS did not help either.
I don’t mean to rain on the serious intention of your post Adam, but seriously this really irks me. Stupid stereotypes. I want my colors back.
I am catholic also, and I completely share your friend Paul’s feelings.
Wayne, just tell people that you’re studying feng shui. Purple is a very auspicious color that is said to enhance your wealth and prosperity when placed in specific areas of your home. Keep it up.
I want my patriotism back.