The presiding principle of political correctness -- the notion that one could change his or her words and actions so as to not offend others' political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) -- seems like the appropriate thing to do. After all, what could be wrong with the desire not to offend people?
In the 1990s, this movement sparked and spread like a wildfire. We introduced our society to terms like "Caucasian-American," "visually impaired," and "mentally challenged." There was an uptick of support for political correctness in all aspects of life, but then we started seeing problems.
With head-spinning quickness, we created more terms and ideas that aligned with being politically correct, sometimes without even being asked to do so. It became socially and even financially detrimental to not conform to the new way of doing things. Noticing this trend, some took advantage, crying foul whenever they felt offended by anything. Over time, those who were hoping to demand a change were swimming in a messy amalgamate with those just hoping to collect a check. Greed and entitlement crept their way into a movement that once had a positive purpose. With its benevolent beginnings now a distant memory for many, political correctness no longer appears to be politically correct.
Before we rush to judgment, however, we must consider a strong point that has been ignored in the discussion. There is a difference between being politically correct and complying with the enforcement of legal equality. The real problem with today's political correctness is that it has been ascribed to many things that are actually outside its purview. Transgendered Americans choosing which bathroom they enter, a store owner being sued for refusing service to homosexual patrons, a Muslim being free to erect a mosque without fear of facing discrimination -- these examples are not the result of the pressures of political correctness. These are legal issues, hashed out in a court using motions, arguments and appeals. These are ones where the claims of denial of liberty and equality can be adjudicated. For politically incorrect statements and ideals like "That woman needs to get back in the kitchen where she belongs," or the use of certain off-color terms to describe a group or race, there are generally no legal ramifications. Today, those comments are simply considered out of touch, outdated and shameful as judged by society. And what's politically acceptable will change as society changes.
Over the last few years, the perception of political correctness changed just as rapidly as it did when people originally endorsed it, and by way of the same medium. Political correctness today is mostly associated with weakness and is largely blamed for an unpopular culture here in the United States. People have callously and blatantly misused and overused the word "offensive" so that it has little weight today. The boy who cried "Wolf!" would get more attention than the one who cries "Offense." Even so, that doesn't mean that the idea behind political correctness should be tossed out.
Because of the misuse of the term, people have forgotten the good intentions of political correctness. We still need the right type of political correctness, but we must learn how to separate the good kind from the bad kind. Generally speaking, political correctness should work to eliminate the labels we have assigned to segments of our society. The driving force behind being politically correct should be dismantling prejudices by illuminating the fact that we are all human. We are all certainly different, but the human race experiences far more differences from person to person than can be accounted for by things like race or gender. Also, let us not forget that some words and attitudes are genuinely hurtful. Hurt is relative; the fact that your hurt and my hurt may be different doesn't discount your feelings. If I care about my fellow man, then that fact is something I should always keep in mind.
In spite of that, though, being politically correct is seen as pervasive in today's world. You may have heard or read that it is destroying America, but I say it's only a reflection of the undergirding fabric of a growing people. It is only logical that change come with that growth.
When people say they are sick of being politically correct, I am hopeful enough not to allow myself to believe that they long for the "good ole days" when they could call people whatever epithet they wanted and not worry about it.
I am also willing to believe that they are capable of knowing the difference between "politically incorrect" and "legally disparaging."
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Robert Honeycutt is the office manager at The Weekly Vista. His email address is [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/19/2016