Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Most would say that they are not. Then there is a situation in which one does not find as much humor as might have previously been expected and upon introspection it is possible that our attitudes have changed. Such was the case on a Friday night at the MSHSAA Speech Tournament at Parkview High School in Springfield. High School speech tournaments were where this preacher boy learned to stand in front of an audience without dying of a heart attack.

A humorous presentation was made that I have listened to many times in over forty years of performing and judging this event. It was written by Mark Twain. In past years some of the characters used the “N” word in describing others in the book. That word had been replaced with a less offensive descriptive.

I see this throughout our culture. We cannot use a word but those same groups that say they are offended allow themselves to speak these words to each other. They are even lyrics to songs that are honored at their awards shows. I don’t mind being re-educated. I do not understand why the minorities aren’t held to the same high standards.

A few years ago, it was revealed that a NAACP leader that everyone thought was black was identified as being Caucasian. Hair color had been changed. A perm was used to conceal straight hair. Speech patterns had been changed to be more accepted. They fought for years to prevent white entertainers from mimicking them in movies and television. I understand.

The LGBT community have added a new letter to their name. Correct me if I am incorrect. Isn’t that the letter that a name they do not like begins with. Once again, we cannot use it. LGBTQ members can. Can we protest the use of the erm WASP.

Let’s stop calling each other names. We are all human beings. I have advocated for years that we stop calling others by two very offensive designations that they like to use for themselves and their counterparts. Let’s drop the use of Republican and Democrat or liberal and conservative. These do not fit the organizations and their constituency. I am non-partisan. The separate but equal rule applies here as well. If they are forced to live together then we will learn to see our similarities and not out differences.

How will we know who we should vote for? By getting to know who they are and not accepting who they want us to think they are. I’m tired of being lied to. How about you?

©Copyright 2025 by Charles Kensinger