Political correctness Vs Good old fashioned politeness?

Question

Do we really need political correctness, couldn't people just appreciated that people don't want to be offended by certain words. Couldn't people just have consideration for others and just be polite, instead of being PC. Or am I wrong? I know that it is there to protect people from becoming offended, but now a days some subjects are so PC that people won't speak about certain subjects as they are deemed as taboo.

Answer 1

back when I first heard of political correctness in the late 80s, it seemed to be about respect and politeness, but soon edged toward control.

I think we should keep the respect and politeness parts, not the control, whatever name we call it by.

Answer 2

Politeness is the way to go always. In a conversation between intelligent adults, there should be nothing that is taboo, as long as the subject matter is approached respectfully. People that refuse to speak of certain things because they are not PC, miss out on learning about true ideas and feelings of other people.

Answer 3

I am in complete agreement--Political correctness is nothing but a contol thing and has nothing to do with politeness. I think it is possible that having the political correctness shoved down and up us actually works against what it intends to do.
Simply termed "resistance" it actually makes a good many people more antagonistic than they would have been in the first place.
My personal observation: A politically correct statement said in an impolite way is more damaging than a polite thing said that is less politically correct way. In other words: Politeness never goes out of style and comes from within, whereas political correctness is based on control from the outside and thus is not as likely to be genuine.

Cheeky

Answer 4

I understand political correctness to be an attempt to include everyone, which surely is the essence of politeness, modern or old fashioned. Did you see "Life on Mars?" on BBC TV recently ? You're probably too young to remember this, but women and ethnic minorities used to be routinely insulted, and if we objected, were told we had "no sense of humour"

Not sure what subjects you're talking about - how can an entire subject be PC ?

Answer 5

Personally, I believe that political correctness will prove to be the downfall of our society. Kindness, patience and politeness are fast becoming obsolete and, whereas the older generations were taught these things as a matter of course, modern society relies on laws to protect people from what it considers intolerance, in the absence of good manners and good parental guidance.
But the Politically Correct Brigade has a lot to answer for. Instead of harmony we see more and more examples of racism, these days - I suspect because people are frustrated at what they regard as 'inverted racism'.
Me? I judge people by their behaviour! And if I don't like someone's behaviour - I avoid them! I don't think there's a law (yet!) that says I must befriend people I don't like. On the other hand, if someone displays those three magic words: Kindness, Patience and Politeness, then it doesn't matter who they are: rich or poor, black or white; they have my respect.....and I don't need a darned law to tell me so!

Answer 6

No, we don't "need" political correctness. Etiquette has always been clear on the subject: Do not speak to offend. If someone tells you that certain terms are not acceptable, take it as their opinion. Always consider the opinions of others. Then, make your choice. Yours. And be prepared to shoulder the consequences. If more people were strong enough to be independent, there would be no political correctness.

Answer 7

No we don't need political correctness. This is all about
making work for people who have no talent, but are politically
connected and must be found jobs and positions that sound
important and can be given a big salary for doing very little.
Most normal people just want to live in harmony with their
neighbours etc. and if left alone will live together quite happily.

Answer 8

Good old fashioned politeness any day!!!! Manners dint cost a thing, which a lot of people seem to forget even OAPs, there has been many a time when Ive held a door open for a frail looking old lady only for her to push past me without even a thank you!!! I find it very annoying that most people young and old don't use their manners and have forgotten how to use the words please and thank you. I'm 27 and have a 5 year old son who always says please, thank you etc and it has been commented on about how refreshing it is to hear a child who is polite not only to his friends but to his peers as well.

Answer 9

For me Good Old Fashioned Politeness.

Answer 10

Political correctness is nothing more than an overblown, forced form of politeness. It's only practical use is to get easly offended people to stop their whining and complaining. Good old-fashioned politeness is much better because it is practiced voluntarily.