Political correctness...?

Question

"Is about manners at best and about censorship at worst. Neither one of these thing has anything to do with consciousness." Bruce Cockburn.

What do you think of this statement?

Answer 1

True, when a person is being politically correct, it does not mean that he/she is conscious of the issues that he/she is trying to be PC about, nor does it mean that he/she bears no prejudices against the subject of the PC-treatment. But it is definitely a start.

In my opinion, education is the first step to solving many problems. By changing people's language, we at least educate them that there is an issue. Thought shapes language and language shapes thought. Eskimos have over a dozen words for snow to describe the different types because it is something that they have to deal with and so they devote considerable amounts of thought to it. Just by knowing that there are so many words in those languages makes us aware that snow is an important issue for them and gives us some insight.

Developing that consciousness is up to the individual. I think that political correctness in speech is a start. But, like all things, being PC is only good in moderation.

Answer 2

It depends on the spirit in which it is used. Being politically correct is often a way of avoiding hurting someone's feelings, which might qualify as manners, but I disagree with the "censorship" part. I prefer people being PC and calling me "Ms" instead of the demeaning "Mrs".
I greatly admire Cockburn, by the way. He did a lot to help human rights.

Answer 3

Sorry, but I am not sure I can agree with this totally. If you read some of Confucius, he talks about the true gentleman, and his teachings are about the etiquette to be correct, concerned with social issues, and consciousness to the world. If manners is a way to live, then you are conscious of what is around you. Manners and censorship are not opposites, and political correctness in the dictionary is about, being over concerned with social and political matters, ect..and not only exclusion to them.

Answer 4

True. This is the second Cockburn I have found interesting. I would like to know more about who he is and what he does.

Answer 5

Rather accurate, since political correctness is the confusion between thought and language.

PS Incorrect Alan H., Eskimos have no more words for snow than someone from Maine. That concept is long refuted.

Answer 6

you're making a great factor. could I counter? Political correctness shouldn't in any respect be enforced via a central authority. regardless of if, government workers ought to play via distinctive policies. I relatively have grew to become human beings in who labored on the BMV for mistreating Hispanic shoppers. do they should love Latinos? No. have they have been given the spectacular to maintain their interest for needless to say treating human beings of distinctive backgrounds otherwise? No, back. I strongly help unfastened speech, even for those i stumble on despicable. yet do no longer anticipate me to admire you in case you constantly use disrepectful language.

Answer 7

I would agree. PC is an attempt to not offend specific minorities, at the expense of the common sense of the plurality...

If we all took an etiquette class, the world would be a better place

Answer 8

People are too sensitive. If we concentrated on the important instead of tivial rituals maybe the world wouldn't be going to hell in a high hat.

Answer 9

I think it's interesting. He may be right.

I would personally characterize it as an attempt to offend the fewest people possible. But it sure can be restrictive to clear expression and honesty.

Answer 10

It makes sense... being politically correct doesn't necessarily mean being sincere.