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Comment by matthewdgreen | Hacker News Reader

George Carlin's shtick was to use racist words mostly to make a point about how stupid racism was. He also spent a lot of time attacking anti-intellectual movements. I have no doubt that he'd poke fun of current progressive speech codes, but I don't think you'd find him carrying water for the other side. This is an important distinction that some folks don't seem to understand.

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Carlin was always a big lefty. Every critique doesn't mean you're 'carrying water for the other side.' Although I know it's trendy to ignore nuance in language these days.

Criticizing progressive speech codes is carrying water for the other side, because it’s the only side criticizing it.

It’s not like the other side is wrong about 110% of things(although this statement may be against progressive speech codes currently).

I disagree. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your chosen side is to act as a check on its most fringe elements.

>... because it’s the only side criticizing it.

That's an absolute that's not true. I've seen a variety of people lambaste it, from right-wingers to independents, apolitical folk to even some progressive folk. Isn't nuance neat? :)

I am a progressive and I think the speech codes are silly and sometimes even harmful.

> Criticizing progressive speech codes is carrying water for the other side

Wow. Do you realize how dangerous that attitude is for humanity? There is not a political, religious, or moral philosophy on this earth that should be beyond criticism for the inside or they outside.

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