I Am "Politically Correct," But It's Better Than The Alternative
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I Am "Politically Correct," But It's Better Than The Alternative

The alternative is "asshole," just to be clear.

68
I Am "Politically Correct," But It's Better Than The Alternative
Huffington Post

People have really intense opinions on the subject of being "politically correct." Like, really intense opinions. I was a little confused, honestly. So I looked up the dictionary definition: “marked by or adhering to a typically progressive orthodoxy on issues involving especially ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ecology.”

Still doesn’t seem that reasonable. It’s basically just treating people with kindness, and using language that reflects someone's self-realized identity. If it's that simple, then why do we so vehemently hate being identified as “politically correct”?

OK, the name kind of sucks. It makes it sound like everything you say is a fact-checked stump speech on the presidential trail. Then again, maybe that’s not so bad (*cough everything Donald Trump has ever said cough cough*)

So if the name “politically correct” doesn’t work for you truth-tellers -- and say it like it is, champions -- I have a different name for you: “not an asshole.” Which, I guess, means that people who are not being "politically correct" are being assholes. I think this idea will catch on. Here’s why:

Now, I realize that telling people to be kind to each other by calling a large portion of society an “asshole” is pretty counterproductive, and more than a little hypocritical, but there’s a reason. Just go with me for a second.

Pretend you are the nice blonde person in the above GIF (they are actor Kaitlyn Alexander, playing Dee in the wonderful web series "Couple-ish" everyone should be binge-watching, like, right now). You have felt uncomfortable with the label “girl” your entire life. You know that “boy” doesn’t really fit with you, either. You finally find a label that fits, that makes you comfortable in your skin for the first time, “non-binary,” and then someone tells you they don’t think that identity exists. What would you tell that someone? How would you react?

Someone has just denied you your humanity. Now what?

Of course, there are some thoughtful critiques of "P.C. Culture" and there is, of course, no easy answer on what it means to be a thoughtful citizen in this complicated 21st-century world. What I cannot and will not stand for is so-called “no bullshitters” using the excuse they are not “P.C.” to belittle, bully, and deny the humanity of their fellow human beings.

Can we just be kind? Can we try? I’ll even stop calling people assholes if that helps.

And lastly, if you are offended by my analysis of the situation, I would leave with this: I am truly sorry, but can’t you take a joke? I was told that only people like me -- “politically correct,” that is -- don’t have a sense of humor. Guess I was wrong. No hard feelings. Cheers!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57744
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37215
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958920
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191874
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments