Why Is Political Correctness So Common In Our Society?

Everyone is politically correct. Yes, you and yes, me!

What Is Political Correctness?

According to Britannica, political correctness (PC) refers to language that aims to minimize offense, especially when discussing groups identified by external markers such as race, gender, culture, or sexual orientation.

However, few people truly understand how political correctness is used or misused in modern society. Let’s dive into some examples and misconceptions to clarify the concept.

Understanding Political Correctness

Consider these scenarios:

Do you use racial epithets? Congratulations! You’re politically correct (in the negative sense). Is it wise to discuss religion and politics? That’s a prescription for avoiding controversy, not demonstrating political correctness. Do you keep quiet about a disliked in-law to maintain family harmony? This is a polite choice, not about political correctness.

In reality, "political correctness" emerged from the need to make language and societal interactions more inclusive and respectful. The term is often misunderstood or misapplied.

The Evolution of Political Correctness

Consider an example from my neighborhood. About 12 miles away, a residential facility for people with learning disabilities was once called "The School for Imbeciles." The name was later changed to be less offensive. This is an early example of political correctness in action.

If your child has Down’s Syndrome, and someone refers to that individual as "an imbecile," you would likely be offended because they are not being politically correct.

Common Misconceptions About Political Correctness

Many people who claim to oppose political correctness are not necessarily against the concept itself, but rather misunderstand its scope. Here are some common misconceptions:

Religious and Political Topics: The advice to avoid discussing religion and politics at social gatherings is more about avoiding polarization and conflict than about political correctness. Lifestyle Choices: Referring to gym as "phy ed" is more about choosing terms that align with personal beliefs rather than a blanket application of political correctness. Political Stances: Having a liberal position that you don’t like is not political correctness. Same goes for conservative positions that you may oppose.

People who fear political correctness often assume it includes anything they dislike, especially if it sounds liberal. This flexibility in application is often driven by narcissism and a desire to avoid confrontation.

The Complexity of Political Correctness

Political correctness is not a uniquely liberal concept. For instance, "Freedom Fries" and "Homicide Bomber" are examples where political correctness went to extremes, not just on the left but also on the right.

Even conservative figures have criticized media and popular culture for not pandering to their politically correct demands, though they rarely use the term themselves due to ignorance or deceit.

Phrases like "pro-life" over "anti-abortion" can be seen as politically correct because it frames the argument positively. Language matters in shaping how ideas are received and perceived.

Conclusion

In truth, everyone is politically correct, not in the pejorative sense but as a way to make language and interactions more respectful and inclusive. The real challenge is in understanding and applying the concept correctly, rather than mislabeling various forms of sensitivity as political correctness.