Theories Of Political Correctness

Political correctness has become increasingly obvious in our daily lives. For example, the other day I attended the first meeting of the Frisbee Club here on the State University campus. During the meeting, we were discussing the fact we wanted shirts for this year, but we did not know what slogan to use.

Society has changed and one ethical idea that has affected society at its highest is the use of political correctness. It’s very difficult to find one clear definition of this ethical issue. A simple Google search and one would read: political correctness “the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.” New York Magazine author, Jonathan Chait, states political correctness burst on the scene in the late ’80s and early ’90s, but went into hiding afterwards. Today, it is at the cornerstone of every story. Every few weeks, some politician, comedian, actor, or public figure will

Oppression and discrimination has plagued our society since early times. As a collective society one would think that over time oppression and discrimination would turn into acceptance and equality. Conversely, our society has taken sluggish steps towards diversity, acceptance and equality. Our society is focused on labeling people and putting them into limiting boxes. Oppression occurs across various groups of people based on gender, sex, race, religion, and disability. Members of these diverse groups are discriminated among work places, schools, and other places. Work places and schools promote diversity and non-discrimination, however little seems to be practiced. Oppression across generation leaves damaging consequences hindering society in the growth towards a more accepting environment.

There has been an increase of “political correctness” in the United States over the past few decades, many think that this increase is a sign of a more liberal and progressive country, others believe that this is holding citizens to an unreal standard for how they interact with each other. Authors Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt explain the fine line between asking a legitimate question or voicing a realistic opinion and trying to be offence or stating a microaggression. They claim that a microaggression can be anything simple from saying “America is the land of the free” to something truly awful like telling an asian person “aren’t you supposed to be good at math”.

In recent history, Australian politics has skated on thin ice when dealing with aboriginal history. The increased support and reconciliation directed towards aboriginals is seen at times as been merely superficial. It is argued by the majority of apologist’s historians that the actions of modern day politicians are heavily influenced by a phenomenon called political correctness . The oxford dictionary describes political correctness as ‘the avoidance of terms of expression or actions that are perceived to exclude, marginalize or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against. Generally political correctness is seen as having a pernicious impact on society and whilst the original intent of political correctness

In summary, writing a politically correct paper, free from jargon, presents challenges for me while developing my ability to make appropriate revisions without hiding an authentic message from readers or confusing them in the process of reading my

Phrases, coined words, and idiomatic expressions are part of the culture. Due to the flexibility and manageability of words, people create different terms to explain a phenomenon, situation, statement, and person. One example is the term “politically correct.” This phrase is open used when discussing political, social, and even religious issues because it is a term given when the person or institution provides a legally justified explanation. However, the definition and context of “politically correct” change nowadays because it tends to destroy or humiliate a person or an institution’s statement. Far from its traditional meaning and purpose, the term is now used to emphasize something that is wrong.

So, to fully understand what this important issue that has taken over American intellectual life is, we’ll start at the beginning. So today, we will identify what political correctness is. Next we’ll research the harms of enforced political correctness. Finally, we will synthesize how to achieve productive political correctness, because only then can we have a respectful and honest

Political correctness attempts to place everyone in society on an even playing field. Every person deserves to be treated with respect regardless of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, social position or religion. By using politically correct terms, we aim to be inclusive and accepting of humanity’s differences instead of using outdated terms which these days can often be perceived as being discriminatory. The not-for-profit organisation beyondblue and their ‘Stop. Think. Respect.’ initiative works to raise awareness about the effects of discrimination on individuals. Studies have shown that those who are the victims of discrimination are more likely to develop anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. But it is not only blatant or offensive discrimination that can have this negative effect. Often there is the attitude of … It’s only a joke. Get over it. It is often very subtle – a joke or comment in which no offence is intended – but it still has the power to hurt, shame and belittle the recipient. This is the power of political correctness and why it is so important. It reminds us that our words and actions have

The proponents of political correctness tout tolerance and acceptance of all people. They believe we should watch what we say so that we don’t offend anyone. According to Sam Wright, a public interest lawyer, “Political correctness is not enforced by law but by social consequences. Political correctness encourages relatively privileged speakers to pause and think about how their speech will be received before speaking, but it doesn’t discourage them from speaking at all. And, by encouraging thoughtful dialogue, political correctness does indeed foster an environment where traditionally marginalized people can more easily speak and be heard.” (“Can political correctness and free speech coexist on campus?”, Wright). Being politically correct

However, I agree that there are still people out there who are being discriminated by the society, group or people and there should be no one who treat them differently. However, I don’t believe that political correctness is not going to solve the fundamental problem of

One of the major rallying cries in this election cycle, particularly on the right, has been that political correctness is degrading public discourse and effectively censoring political speech. While I am sensitive to defenders of political correctness, and agree with the principle of political correctness insofar as it requires treating people with respect and being sensitive to the ways different experiences shape how people interpret various speech acts, there is something to be said for having uncomfortable conversations. We live in a time of hyper-partisanship and pronounced social cleavage. Many of the most important problems we face, especially those related to racial injustice, will require us to do some introspection and acknowledge

Some argue politically correct language is increasing awareness about terms that have become offensive in the eyes of some groups or persons. Many terms have been developed to consider people like the disabled or better defined as differently abled. Differently abled is a more fitting term for those who cannot function normally. These changes in connotation has avoided hurting those who recognize that their way of learning is different or their physicality impedes them from performing everyday tasks. However, Nancy Mairs argues

Political correctness is slowly chipping away at the fabric of free speech in America. The basis of political correctness is that people get offended by words and gestures. Political correctness calls for avoiding words and gestures which may be offensive to groups of people who may be at a disadvantage socially or suffer from discrimination for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes this is taken to the extreme. These so called “micro aggressions,” have been the talk of the internet and society for years, even going as far as the President being involved. The former president states in an article by The New York Times, "I don't agree that ... when you become students at colleges, you have to be coddled and protected from different points of view, anybody who comes to speak to you and you disagree with, you should have an argument with them” (Pavia). This belief unseals the true meaning of America, as explained by Obama, that America is a country built on the ideals of freedom of expression. This is being stripped away from the masses, due to the simplicity of someone being slightly offended and instantly crying prejudice and absolute torment. This does not come from a point of privilege, but a point of reason. A point that without these words and these opportunities for debates and intellectual discussions, we become a race of communistic squares. For when we are all relegated to certain words we are stripped of our individuality.

Political correctness was once defined as a mechanism used to enlighten society on the need for sensitivity of others to promote peacefulness; but in today’s world, it has overstepped in many areas in which it does not belong; but on the contrary, there are many aspects in life that need sensitivity. So, who defines this boundary line? Who creates the assumptions of what is correct and what is not? Many political leaders and celebrities uphold positions that put them in the place that gives them the power of alluding others into the direction they see fit. Society has become transfixed on the thought of being correct in the way they live their lives; furthermore, when a new boundary is created, either intentionally or unintentionally, society conforms their opinions or lifestyles to follow this correct-agenda. Although this PC agenda promotes the general welfare of others, using euphemism to describe societal issues and pretending like they don’t exist will not solve anything; there are more pressing issues occurring here.