being politically correct | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

As Americans, We All Need To Calm Down About Being Insulted If Someone's Not 'Politically Correct'

Ooh, I'm sorry, am I offending someone?

179
https://unsplash.com/photos/NNQLYN8ZSdU
Annie Bolin

I swear that nowadays it is almost impossible not to offend someone based on the almost insane measures some people will go to to ensure what they refer to as "political correctness" and this past holiday season was the worst I have seen yet.

This past Christmas, a principal banned candy canes from his school, claiming that the J represented Jesus and therefore had religious significance. He even went so far as to ban teachers from decorating their classrooms with Christmas decorations to protect those who did not celebrate this holiday. While thankfully the principal was placed on leave, his actions are just one of a stream of similar events that have happened recently that show just how crazy our society has gotten in regards to being "politically correct" and supposedly equal and fair for everyone.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was even under fire for supposedly being "bigoted, sexist and abusive." They overlook that the movie and song also provides a lesson. Unfortunately, not everyone in life is nice and kind to others who are different. The whole point of the movie is that we are supposed to be on Rudolph's side. We are SUPPOSED to think that the others are being cruel to him so that we will cheer and be happy in the end when Rudolph saves the day.

Let's not forget about the fiasco around "Baby It's Cold Outside" and how it is now seen by the #metoo movement to be about date rape. I think that this is going way too far to the point where some people are deliberately looking for something to complain about. I have always listened to this song and imagined the girl also wishing to stay with the boy, but knowing that she really should get home so that her family won't worry. Maybe I'm just crazy naive. Or maybe not. But there's nothing wrong with a guy expressing his wish for his love to stay longer with him in the cold weather. If you love someone, of course you would want them to stay. It's supposed to be funny and playful, not about date rape.

The daughter of the song's writer even defends her father's song, mentioning how it was written as a love song between her father and mother and in no way was meant to be interpreted as date rape. It needs to be taken in the context of the time it was written.

Honestly, in all this, I think it is ridiculous that we even have to have this debate.

Just because you get overly offended about a song or a movie does not mean that you need to ban it from everyone else. If someone had the GALL to wish me Happy Hannukah when I am not Jewish I'm not going to throw a fit and scream "IT'S MERRY CHRISTMAS" or "WHY DON'T YOU SAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS." I'm not going to get all butt-hurt and offended that you wished me well and good wishes.

The holidays are over now, but Brad Paisley totally hits the nail on the head with his "Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday."

I am sure that there will always come new ways for people to get overly offended about the smallest thing. If you have the time to get offended about something like this then you really need to take a good, long look at your priorities.

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

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

129470
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

29504
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

27286
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments