I Need Counselling, and So Do You

Sometimes, when reading through test logs, code, reports, and the like, I find it useful to do a mind-reset by taking a minute and doing some junk food reading. Reading that has absolutely no resemblance of importance or profound thought whatsoever.

So I switch over to CNN.

While I'm on CNN, I see that some actor has been checked in for counseling. I love dirt like this. What was it? Booze? Drugs? Gambling? Maybe another anti-Jewish rant? Well, errr... not exactly.

This actor was checked in for uttering an anti-gay slur to a castmate. (I'll pause as you re-read the previous sentence). Now, a cloud of panic overcame me. You see, I too am guilty of this. I've played years in hockey leagues, soccer leagues, and lacrosse leagues. On probably more than one occassion, while in the throws of confrontation with an opposing player, I've uttered this type of slur. I'll explain myself.

You see, when you get slapped a good one from a slash from some goon, you do not turn and say, "Sir, I do object to your conduct. Please refrain from using your stick in such a manner." No. Usually you turn and say something like, "F*** you, you c**ks*cker!" Or a similar sentence that challenges the antagonists sexuality. It might as well be written in the rule book.

Are you guilty? Do you need counselling?

In the case of the actor mentioned earlier, his executive producer said to CNN that this episode needs to be dealt with "in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing".

A foundation for healing? Huh? Wha... ?

CNN also reports that this slur has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of baby harp seals off the Baffin Island coast, and has exacerbated the Global Warming problem (Jabba Campbell: 2007).

When will the madness end? Next up... therapy for anti-intelligence, or anti-honesty comments? I can just see CBC reporting that the House of Commons has shut down due to all members needing counselling.