Darn it! There is a Target department store near me, and in the past I’ve done much of my shopping there. After the shooting in Arizona a few days ago, I’ve learned that words such as “target” are hate speech, and I could not possibly patronize a store whose very name is embedded with such vitriol! It will be an inconvenience to me, and I will have to spend more in fuel to get to another store, but what else can I do? Hate speech is hate speech. And look at that poor dog! The target is actually drawn on his EYE! PETA is outraged, I’m sure. Target should be held responsible for all cases of animal brutality. Really, with the climate of hate that such ads foster, how could a deranged person not be inspired to abuse animals?
Only a few minutes ago I was watching a weather report on CBS, and the weather person mentioned the “bullseye” in the weather pattern. Lord help us! Hate speech in weather? Now I understand why we’re having this snow and ice storm. Could the weather do anything else after such hate-infused speech?
I’m also feeling guilty. I just retired from teaching, and there were so many times over the years in the classroom that I used a target or a bullseye in bulletin boards to help motivate students to meet particular goals in reading or math or spelling. I even used phrases like “aim for the target!” and “hit the bullseye!” Have mercy!!! I didn’t mean to inspire violence in my students! I shudder to think of the unspeakable acts of violence my former students have committed over the years due to my vitriol.
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