Note: This article was originally co-written with another Odyssey author, Sam Trabucco. However, it was re-written into two separate articles so be sure to check out Sam Trabucco’s take on the issue as well.
It seems a hot topic in our culture is the debate surrounding the matter of being politically correct – and there’s a lot of negativity surrounding it. Many American people believe PC language is detrimental to our society as it only paints over the true identity of hatred: masking ignorance and intolerance with “nicer” words.
I, however, disagree.
Can PC language be used to mask an elephant standing in the room? Absolutely.
Can PC language – when used in an offensive matter – still be offensive? No doubt.
Do people abuse the potential of political correctness and are their people who take PC language to the extreme? Yes.
Does this mean we should botch the idea of PC terms? Nope.
Political correctness has long been viewed as a pejorative – something against people who don’t choose their words wisely when speaking to (or rather offending) people and an excuse to justify expressions of ignorance or intolerance. Some say people look at PC language as just as awful as the crude language already being used to insult individuals or a group of individuals – it’s only a mask. The people who try to be politically correct are only hiding their true beliefs and prejudice is still brewing at the core of their being.
Some go to the extreme of claiming the “truth” is now a “hate speech.” No – hate speech is considered a hate speech. Those claiming their truth, which I would re-classify as their opinion, is considered hateful – but we’re only speaking the truth! They claim. No, the judgment coating your tongue is just that: judgment. Preconceived bitterness or tainted views against a certain group is not the almighty truth. It is only a narrow-minded view. It is only your truth and it is both wrong and unfair to lump all truths into a “hate speech” in attempt to campaign against a movement to accommodate the sensitivity of all humans.
Being politically correct can be defined as a conservative term describing the policy of being careful with language to not offend people – especially those considered a minority or who have faced disadvantages in society throughout history, (Wikipedia).
By definition, the idea of being politically correct doesn’t seem like a terrible idea. However, many who oppose the idea – and certainly not all – adopt a conservative mindset. This in turn, comes the fear of the movement revoking our seemingly unique freedom of speech as an American citizen and thus comes retaliation. Many classify this new type of “civil speech” as an attempt to censor our speech. How dare they try to tell us what we can and can’t say? How dare they try to revoke our first amendment!
I don’t necessarily buy into the negative cloud that surrounds the idea of being “politically correct.” Yes, I do believe sometimes our society can be too easily offended, but that isn’t the purpose of this article. Being politically correct is a way of being more human instead of coming across crass or rude. Using “PC terms” when speaking with or to a group who prefers you to use the term is indeed polite and appropriate.
Wake up America. I’m not asking you to abandon your simple-minded, old-fashioned ideals. I’m not asking you to put duct-tape over your mouths and completely silence your opinions. You do not have to surrender your own policies. You can fight censorship with every pulsing vein in your body. I’m simply asking you to appeal to the people who ask you to be kinder. It’s not a matter of taking away a “unique” freedom – it’s a matter of mutual respect.
If a person is overweight and you want to call them fat, don’t. You might consider it to be true, but it’s completely unnecessary to point out such. If someone is “clinically insane” do not call them insane. Mental illness should not be the butt of jokes nor should it be taken with an accusatory view. If someone is physically challenged, do not call them a cripple. They didn’t choose their disability and they might not even consider it a disability, so who are you to point it out in a negative fashion to possibly create doubt? If you think a person’s unattractive, don’t call them ugly. Don’t call them anything. Keep it to yourself. Preying on a person’s vulnerabilities isn’t simply “speaking your mind,” it’s downright mean.
A colleague of mine said words are only words – as if they’re just letters strewn together and we should focus on actions rather than spoken words. The issue is the “more truthful” words were created with negative connotations attached to them and therefore when spoken, there will automatically pain trailing behind the phrases. The issue is these words are downright offensive and mean – and so is the intent that is blatant within the letters.
There’s a difference between using PC language to appeal to someone’s insecurities versus only using PC language to mask your prejudices with “nicer words.” I am asking you to not use this hateful speech which is claimed to be the truth. Don’t be a full-grown adult bully with your words defending your rights. Be a kind human who fights for the rights of humanity.
My mother always told me to be kind – to always put more into the universe and the world even if you felt you weren’t receiving as much as you thought you should be. Be kind to people for no reason. Kill people with kindness. Just be kind.
A huge advocate against political correctness is Donald Trump – a man classified as bigoted, ignorant, and insensitive. Many admire him for his ability to speak his mind, his illusion of grand success, and his trademark “Make America Great Again.” You mean, "Make America Great Again" by reverting to ideals rooted in racism and sexism?
"Make American Great Again" – not through defending outdated, hurtful, and prejudiced ideals and ferociously defending America’s “core beliefs” through shallow defenses. Make America great by becoming encouraging, kind, and accepting that the world – our world – is continually changing and progressing.
I stress being human and humans very much have the tendency to judge, stereotype, be angered and upset and I do not expect that kind of negative energy to stop. I expect humans to try to be kind to one another instead of using our humanity as an excuse to continue to practice judgment and intolerance.
Do I support the policy of political correctness/civil speech? Yes, I suppose you could say I do, but I am a larger advocate for kindness and that is all I ask for you to try to emulate.
Further suggested reading on political correctness:
Civilities: The current rage about ‘political correctness’ is both wrong and rude: A Washington Post article redefining political correctness in defense of it
Op-ed: The Truth About Political Correctness - an interesting take on how PC language and the status quo intermingle
Political correctness really works! Sorry, conservatives, but science just said so – a column in The Guardian that includes a study done by Cornell to show how PC language can affect men and women
