Can someone please explain the term "politically correct"?

Answer 1

Politically correct means a socially unoffensive way of saying something. To use the term oriental, for instance, to describe an asian person would be considered offensive, and is politically incorrect. Asian would be the politically correct term. The same goes for Black vs. ***** (or other words), Inuit vs. Eskimo, Roma vs. Gypsy (the first term is politically correct, or "PC," the second is not). It does not apply only t ethnicity or nationality, though. To use the word gay to describe something negatively is not PC. In most general terms, it is a term that expresses an idea in a minimally offensive manner.

Answer 2

Political correctness (also politically correct or PC) is a term used to describe language, or behavior, which is claimed to be calculated to provide a minimum of offense, particularly to the racial, cultural, or other identity groups being described. The concept is not exclusive to the English language. A text that conforms to the ideals of political correctness is said to be politically correct.

Answer 3

Politics is the process by which individuals or relatively small groups attempt to exert influence over the actions of an organization. Although the term is most commonly applied to behavior within governments, politics is observed in many human (and many non-human) group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions.

Answer 4

A typical example, saying "coffee, no milk" instead of black coffee, because black people feel that the use of black in this context is pejoritive. Other silly ones: "virtically challenged person" - instead of 'short'. "Differently abled" instead of "disabled".

It's the increasingly prevelent practice of avoiding patterns of speech that might be perceived by a particular group as offensive, despite the fact that the meaning is not changed, and that the original terms have been in use for a long time - in some cases, for centuries.

Answer 5

I like the first guys explanation, but I would like to add this comment: it is the "McCarthyism" of our times, and tends to be the "left's" way of trying to dominate the "right", and I am considered "left"! I say think for your self, even if others don't like what you think. A committee of "yes men" is what the current administration seemed to want. The results speak for themselves, IMHO. If I were the prez I would want to hear the bad news FIRST, because then I could do something about it. If we never disagreed on anything we wouldn't really make any progress. Example: the Earth isn't still flat anymore, is it?

Answer 6

Speaking in a way that will not offend a person or group of people. Even if it means lying and telling half-truths about the given situation. Mostly applies to white people, anyone else can say or do what they want because they have a permanent free pass.

Answer 7

politically correct

ADJECTIVE:
Abbr. PC
Of, relating to, or supporting broad social, political, and educational change, especially to redress historical injustices in matters such as race, class, gender, and sexual orientation.
Being or perceived as being overconcerned with such change, often to the exclusion of other matters.

Answer 8

A term used to describe an individual (or group of individuals) as not to offend them because they are too thin skinned and will cry like a little baby-girly-man if you call tham a name. I like to call those people pu$s***!

Answer 9

The act of wasting everyones time and energy by saying absolutely nothing, out of fear of offending, while trying to discuss serious topics.

Answer 10

Pretty much trying to avoid things that insult other races and cultures. Sometimes it's used correctly, othertimes it's overbearing.