Are we becoming too politically correct at the expense of living? I can't think of a time in the past year when there wasn't some sort of controversy over something a celebrity said or did on TV. Just this week actress Blake Lively posted a photo with a lyric from a Sir Mix-A-Lot as her caption, and was accused of cultural appropriation. Whether or not you think that she should have posted the caption, the whole issue brings up questions about where to draw a line. Does an innocent Instagram caption have to be analyzed and picked apart, or can it simply be a lyric from a song used as an addition to a photograph? When does something become appropriation? When does something become a controversy?
Along with simple things such as Blake Lively's Instagram, the desire to be constantly neutral and "politically correct" has become very important to our culture. Though this is a good thing at its core due to its focus on respect and mutual understanding of different groups in society, where is the line between neutral and apathetic? When does being politically correct become being inactive out of fear of retribution or backlash?
Due to the election season being in full swing, these sorts of issues become more and more apparent. In seeking to understand political agendas and candidate platforms, people often have conversations about the various issues brought up in debates. This of course is often followed by disagreement, misunderstanding, and argument between people trying to form opinions and support for a specific candidate or cause. The problem arises when people begin to fear that there is no right answer. Regardless of which stance one takes on any specific cause, there will be a group that staunchly opposes and fights it, and not everyone can be satisfied with one solution. Does this mean that taking one position over another becomes unfair or incorrect?
Have we become more understanding and accepting or simply too afraid to voice opinions? Though voicing an opinion does not encourage oppressing, disrespecting, or harming other people, it does encourage people being active in the decision-making of their country and life. Not to mention maybe a little common curtesy and patience could allow for better communication in such situations. In the case of Blake Lively, rather than jumping to a conclusion about her reasoning for posting a certain Instagram caption, people could just take a moment and realize it was meant as a fun joke with a song that she enjoyed rather than a serious statement.
If someone does or did make a comment that offended certain people. rather than attacking them, there could be discussion about what they meant, how it affects people, and a mutual understanding that we are all human and the vast majority of people are not looking to offend or hurt others. This way if someone accidentally or purposely posted or said something rude or offensive, the situation can be repaired with knowledge, facts, and agreement rather than further denunciation and argument.
