Correctly Political: A Look into the Dynamics of Political Correctness
Every American probably knows what it means to be politically correct.
After all, we hear about it on the news almost every night. We have to be constantly aware of whether or not something we say or do is going to offend someone. This mode of communication is present in every aspect of our lives, from the most formal to the most informal situations.
This paper will answer questions on the origin of the term ‘politically correct' and the applications of the communication pattern it refers to: who started it, who is doing it, and why. Is political correctness a good idea? Is it too pervasive?
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It evolved into a term of disapproval among leftists for those whose line-toeing fervor was too much to bear. (Richer and Weir 53) Thus, the expression went from having a positive meaning to having a negative meaning.
What we think of today as political correctness (PC) began in a recognizable form during the social movements of the late 1960's. PC was used as a self critique by social movements, each saw itself as politically/ethically correct. PC referred to the culture or practices of the women's movement or gay liberation or a Marxist party, but not to a common culture cross-cutting these movements. There existed a shifting line of conflict between movements, and groups could signify affinity or hostility with another group by proclaiming these movements politically correct. (Richer and Weir 53) Paul Berman, a well- known essayist, has a very interesting view of the social movement culture of the 1960's:
“The left wing uprising of circa 1968 had two phases, which were in perfect discord. The first phase was an uprising on behalf of the ideals of liberal humanism -- an uprising on behalf of the freedom of the individual against a soulless system. The second phase was the opposite, at least philosophically. It was a revolt against liberal humanism.
Is said, in effect: Liberal humanism
They are forcing an image upon the country which is not entirely accurate of its people. Political correct language causes people to speak in a way which they are not accustomed
Political correctness according to the merriam webster dictionary is: agreeing with the idea that people should be careful to not use language or behave in a way that could offend a particular group of people. Being politically correct is something that is encouraged by many in order to avoid offensive terms that may result in violence, protest, etc. So if the chalk writings only said “Vote Trump” or “Trump 2016” there would be fewer issues surrounding the messages if
The “Politically Correct” movement’s purpose is to bring historically condescending terms, offensive music and art, and controversial educational content to an end and replace them with more positive and less-offending references. Offensive and demoralizing efforts are wrong, but the censorship and deletion of words and phrases that do not contain the intention to demoralize are taking political correctness too far. Politically correct (or “PC”) antics have created a social decline that is growing worse with each generation, specifically regarding areas of art, education, language, and our right to freedom of speech; the degradation they have brought to the American psyche has even led to
Many of the predictions made by George Orwell in his book 1984 in relation to corruption of language are recognizable in the United States today. Our language is in the process of changing. The introduction of politically correct words and phrases over the past few decades is based on the principles of Orwell's Newspeak. Today, this phenomenon is a tool of liberals used to erase the opinions of the past, and to help propagate new ideas, and is rooted in the same motives as Newspeak. Although Political Correctness may not be all-encompassing as its Orwell's Newspeak, Political Correctness is equally as dangerous and oppressive to free thought. For example, terms such as "Affirmative Action" implies Action which is correct ("Affirmative" means correct, and "Action" is normally good as well) when actually what is meant is the preferential treatment for a particular minority group. The word "Peacekeepers," now refers to a soldier that occupies a foreign nation. During the cold war, when the USSR would do that type of thing,
It is always important to think back to the Buddhist and Stoic beliefs about thinking clearly and working through emotions (Lukianoff and Haidt 6). The college students mentioned in “The Coddling of the American Mind,” need to learn these crucial principles in order to live a life where they can positively overcome discomfort and offendedness. People need not be punished for causing minor emotional inconveniences. Once cognitive
Police officers, who were once referred to as peace keepers, are now more law enforcement officers. Police agencies around the United States seem to be stuck more on quotas and creating revenue for their county or city. Making many officers strive for many unnecessary arrests. Which as a following result has brought up a lot of tension between the police and their citizens. With increasing violence in cities and states; police officers methods have slowly become more aggressive, bringing a rise in unnecessary police brutality related incidents within the last 10 years. This relationship is substantially disproportionate considering that there are five times as many whites as there are blacks in America. I find this incredibly concerning and it has definitely impacted my view of American law enforcement. Recently, I have tried to become more knowledgeable about racism and prejudice in the United States as issues such as police brutality are becoming more and more prevalent. Although there is still much more for me to learn about the complicated system of racism and white privilege, I do feel that I know enough to recognize unjust and unlawful behavior of police officers. Police brutality has a longstanding history in our country and will be very difficult to overcome. However, I think it is possible if we, as a nation, are willing to recognize the cause and attack the issue at its source. I believe that police brutality can be attributed to an immoral police force, a corrupt
agree with the use of political correctness. It can be beneficial and have some disadvantages.
The politically correct movement is made
Not only does political correctness limit language, it limits competition between groups. For example the competition between the upper and lower class for power would cease if we were made to be politically correct. We need the upper and lower class for our society to function correctly. Without competition society can not thrive, and the philosophy of political correctness attempts to make people equals which effectively blocks individual success thus eliminating any motive to take the risks necessary to succeed. How can a person move up in this world with out stepping on others, and every time someone steps on someone else they will use methods or words that could be taken as politically incorrect. It is the nature of capitalism and democracy to have competing groups which ultimately leads to a separation of the bourgeoisie and proletariat or the upper and lower class. This is the greatest good a capitalistic democratic society can reach because the factions are not permanent; the members of each group are free to move
The sad truth here is that we are in an era of out of control political-correctness. Anyone can at any time manipulate a situation to make themselves feel offended. What a pathetic waste of time.
People have to think twice before saying anything for fear that they are faced with charges of aggression or insensitivity. While the press looks at this as a rebirth of political correctness which sought to restrict hate speech amongst the marginalized groups to encourage inclusivity, others argue it’s more concerned with emotional well-being of the students and that it seeks to protect students from mental harm that can be caused by offensive words, ideas or actions. All in the purpose of making campuses a safe place for students.
In the past few years, during the holiday season, “happy holidays” can be heard instead of the traditional “merry Christmas.” This is because some people find the term merry Christmas offensive. As a result, the use of the term is frowned upon, unless it is within a religious setting. This is an example of political correctness encroaching on people’s first amendment rights. Even though it is still legal to say merry Christmas there is an aura of judgement that goes along with it. Over time it seems like the ban upon any speech that anyone finds offensive will be implemented. Not so fast, according to the USA today there is a resistance to outlandish political correctness. People seem to be bothered by the disingenuous salutation “happy holidays”: Ninety-five percent insist they are not offended by being greeted with a "Merry Christmas" while shopping, but greet them with a "Happy Holidays," and 46% claim to take offense.” (‘Merry Christmas’ Is Favored Greeting). In the past it has not been completely appropriate for people to use “merry Christmas”; however, now it appears that people find it better for a few to be slightly offended than for traditions to be broken. People’s resistance to political correctness protects their first amendment rights and continues American traditions.
Re-read Act 2 from page 43 (JOHN and CAROL seated across the desk from each other.) to page 48 (CAROL: It’s “ludicrous…”?). Examine how Mamet presents political correctness in this extract and elsewhere in the play.
Political correctness is cultural Marxism. Marx, as cited in Introduction to Social Science course guide, believed that if people were left to work on their own they would be more efficient. He had an ideological belief that laborers could actually want
It's not right to isolate children from the books, toys, and games that let them