A phrase that irritates me:

They are a product of their time.

This is complete bull shit. Every profession in the world is expected to always upgrade their education, their trade and change with the times. (1)

(2) Why can’t we expect every day people to change with the times? Why do we make excuses for their blatant racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc.

Just because you were born of a certain generation, doesn’t mean you are stuck in the ways of that time.

(3) Like I know that the education I received when I graduated in 1999 is different than today’s education. I try to learn to be better.

I know that I have to constantly relearn techniques and technology and regulations for my career at sea.

(4) I know I have to re certify to be a lifeguard, to administer first aid etc.

So why do we constantly make excuses for people of all ages for their shitty behaviour?

“Oh she’s a child, she doesn’t know better”

“ he’s 80, they didn’t have that concept when he was younger”

(5) That’s complete bull shit. It’s helping these gross people to stay complacent in their discriminatory ways. It’s not addressing the problem. It’s lazy. Call these people out. Don’t worry about offending them, believe me, they are offending everyone else.