If you live in the United States, or even if you don’t…if you have internet connection, or probably even if you don’t…if you can read, well I guess that doesn’t really cover it either…
Pretty much everyone in the industrialized world has developed a fascination for an abstract concept now deemed ‘political correctness.’ Somewhere along the line someone should have trademarked the phrase because it’s quite possibly the most over used term I’ve heard this “election year.” And here is the thing… political correctness isn’t even real.
Google defines the phrase as;
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the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.
The perception of political correctness as some civic obstacle is an illusion. As of late, so many people consider it a contributing factor to actual social and political issues. And it’s just…no, just no. I don’t even understand where this imaginary land of politically correct people exists? In what world are people afraid of “offending” one another these days? Watch 5 minutes of campaign coverage and you will see… there is no fear of offending anybody anymore, and certainly not in the political realm.
I will tell you though, if political correctness was an actual issue, and avoiding it was actually a thing, it still wouldn’t be okay to use it as a vehicle for discrimination. It wouldn’t be any more appropriate to dodge factual societal issues in its name, it wouldn’t be okay to write off the legitimate woes of minority populations or women because ya know… political correctness.
If the “PC culture” does nothing but give you pause before discriminating against someone, then I really do hope it does become a thing…but I highly doubt it. If it makes you question the traditional ‘values’ ingrained in our institutions and culture then I think that would be a good thing too. If it truly is ripples of a revolution leading to a world where everyone actually does take into account another’s perception of the same issue before acting or speaking, I hope it comes about in full force. But this new Facebook status staple is referring to none of these things, it is instead blaming a lack of discrimination for societal adversity or even outbreaks of violence. And let’s be real here, there is no lack of discrimination or violence happening anywhere.
It is neither an excuse nor a reason, for anything. I don’t believe it to be a contributing factor in any situation. In fact, it represents a lack thereof. The globe and nation may be overwhelmed with issues all across the board, but I urge you to look deeper into the world of causation before rambling on about some made up abstraction. The issues surely do exist, but none of them have anything to do with the imaginary concept of political correctness.
If you would like to walk around spouting off every typically offensive stereotype or (fill in the blank with behavior of your choice) that is your right, especially as an American. Please DO carry on exercising your invaluable rights (also please register to vote.) But you are likely an asshole, and this cool new trend of avoiding ‘political correctness’ doesn’t change that.
What do you think? Feel free to disagree.
I love love love this post! You are absolutely correct. It’s so interesting that it seems to “trend” more and more this idea of being politically correct while at the same time trending that people speak out obnoxiously and rudely about discriminatory issues (usually over social media). This idea of being PC is ridiculous because like you said, if you’re going to be an asshole, you’re going to be an asshole. Well done : )
haha, thanks! That’s surely a complement coming from you, I admire your writing! I feel that I may not have gotten my point across as I meant to, judging by my comments. :/
I love love love this post! You are absolutely correct. It’s so interesting that it seems to “trend” more and more this idea of being politically correct while at the same time trending that people speak out obnoxiously and rudely about discriminatory issues (usually over social media). This idea of being PC is ridiculous because like you said, if you’re going to be an asshole, you’re going to be an asshole. Well done : )
haha, thanks! That’s surely a complement coming from you, I admire your writing! I feel that I may not have gotten my point across as I meant to, judging by my comments. :/
I am over being politically correct. Everyone has an opinion as is their right.
Im sorry to hear that, I think. How does one practice “political correctness” in such a manner that is has you tired of being so? Sincere question. Maybe you are someone who can explain the opposing view to me? 🙂
I am over being politically correct. Everyone has an opinion as is their right.
Im sorry to hear that, I think. How does one practice “political correctness” in such a manner that is has you tired of being so? Sincere question. Maybe you are someone who can explain the opposing view to me? 🙂
I must share this post. I agree with every thing you said.
Please do! Thanks so much!
I must share this post. I agree with every thing you said.
Please do! Thanks so much!
Being politically correct is certainly a “trendy” thing to be right now. I agree with the concept of it but I don’t think it needs to be taken to the extremes that the media and others take it to. I really just try to be respectful of other people’s beliefs and preferences as much as possible!
Yes, I always strive to be respectful of others beliefs as well! But I don’t think that is the same thing as “political correctness-” which is an ambiguous term that I don’t believe really exists at all, as it means something different to everyone.
Being politically correct is certainly a “trendy” thing to be right now. I agree with the concept of it but I don’t think it needs to be taken to the extremes that the media and others take it to. I really just try to be respectful of other people’s beliefs and preferences as much as possible!
Yes, I always strive to be respectful of others beliefs as well! But I don’t think that is the same thing as “political correctness-” which is an ambiguous term that I don’t believe really exists at all, as it means something different to everyone.
I call political correct being a considerate person. People can be jerks, I’ve never heard anyone argue that it should be a law. 😉 I don’t see what’s wrong with not wanting to offend people. And you are right, plenty of people have no problem being rude and discriminating these days.
I believe in being a considerate person as well! I just don’t think that that necessarily translates to anything “political,” ya know? Which is probably why I take such issue with the terminology.
I call political correct being a considerate person. People can be jerks, I’ve never heard anyone argue that it should be a law. 😉 I don’t see what’s wrong with not wanting to offend people. And you are right, plenty of people have no problem being rude and discriminating these days.
I believe in being a considerate person as well! I just don’t think that that necessarily translates to anything “political,” ya know? Which is probably why I take such issue with the terminology.
I believe that this is someone’s individual opinion and I respect that.
I believe that this is someone’s individual opinion and I respect that.
Thank you. Does your opinion differ?
People today are far too sensitive. But also, there are a lot of inconsiderate people out there too that make it impossible for there to be a balance. I do wish people could have true freedom of speech without the crazy pressure to be “politically correct”
People today are far too sensitive. But also, there are a lot of inconsiderate people out there too that make it impossible for there to be a balance. I do wish people could have true freedom of speech without the crazy pressure to be “politically correct”
We discussed political correctness in our speech class. Apparently in college classes professors have to try their best to be “politically correct”. It amazes me that admistration would even consider enforcing this. I feel like people are too sensitve because there are going to be times when people say something you don’t agree with or don’t like but it’s apart of life. You’re going to have to roll with punches and get over it.
Yes, I would totally agree. Maybe because I am not one to be easily offended – I have a hard time understand the concept. I do think it is important though, for teachers to strive for neutrality so as to allow for an unbiased presentation of a subject, and I wouldnt necessarily tie it to anything “political.” Does that make sense? Maybe I have presented my point well. lol. I just don’t think as far as politics, political correctness exists at all! And that seems to be the hotbed of people complaining about it lately.
We discussed political correctness in our speech class. Apparently in college classes professors have to try their best to be “politically correct”. It amazes me that admistration would even consider enforcing this. I feel like people are too sensitve because there are going to be times when people say something you don’t agree with or don’t like but it’s apart of life. You’re going to have to roll with punches and get over it.
Yes, I would totally agree. Maybe because I am not one to be easily offended – I have a hard time understand the concept. I do think it is important though, for teachers to strive for neutrality so as to allow for an unbiased presentation of a subject, and I wouldnt necessarily tie it to anything “political.” Does that make sense? Maybe I have presented my point well. lol. I just don’t think as far as politics, political correctness exists at all! And that seems to be the hotbed of people complaining about it lately.