What are your thoughts on being 'Politically Correct'?

Question

I am all for being respectful and polite to other people, but are we beginning to go a bit overboard with the entire scheme of being "Politically Correct"? How much do we really need?

It seems as though every thing from job descriptions to holiday greetings and even personal identifiers have been affected in one way or another by this growing trend. Does it actually do any good, though?

I don't think so; at least not any more good than not.

I find that people are now finding the use of Politically Correct speech offensive. Where it was once meant to ensure that no one could be offended by such words as a holiday greeting, people are now finding cause to claim that using a politically correct, generic holiday greeting is somehow undermining the value of that person's respective holiday. How, I really don't know.

Why should we worry so much about being politically correct when the same number of people will find offense anyway? I feel as if there are times when I am watching out for egg shells while talking to people rather than really getting my thoughts into words. I spend more time thinking about the "right way" to say something rather than just saying it.

Does anyone else feel this way?

I do realize a need for some political correctness within speech patterns; But should it have to be with every part of every thing every day to every person?

Answer 1

I think those who began the PC movement had only good intentions, but it quickly got totally out of hand.

I have an aunt who is mentally retarded. Did me typing that offend anyone? I'm sure it did. However, saying someone is mentally retarded and calling them a "retard" are two totally different things. My Aunt Sue absolutely HATES the terms "developmentally disabled" and "otherly abled".She can't read or write anything but her first name, but she can do math that I can't do. As she puts it, she is mentally retarded, and if that makes other people uncomfortable, then that is THEIR problem.

Our mailman is just that; when we had a female carrier I refered to her as our mail LADY. I never spoke to them and used their job title like it was their name. How silly.

My husband is a fireman, but when speaking about those in his career field, we say firefighters because women also are in his department. The females say they are firefighters, not fire women ... I think that term is reserved for us wives. LOL

When writing business letters to women, I use the term Ms. When writing to a man, I use Mr. With men, this doesn't change if they are married or not. However, one cannot assume that an unknown female business contact is married or not. I use Ms. because I respect their place in the business world, regardless of their marital status. If they correct me and want to have the Miss or Mrs., then that is how I address them.

Most of the PC stuff has to do with gender or disabilities. Some women and some of those with disabilities are NOT secure with themselves and DEMAND the PC usage of words and phrases because then they have some small assurance that they are being treated with respect. They do have that right.

However, those who insist on phrases such as Height Challenged, Differently Abled, etc. should be slapped repeatedly until they get over themselves.

Some phases such as Hearing/Vision Impaired are good, though, because they describe the situation without coming across as phony.

All in all, I think PC is a bad thing, but we do need it because some people just don't know how to talk or behave in some situations. If people would learn to gauge the situation, then they would be better able to communicate without offending someone unintentionally.

Answer 2

unnecessary. the language is selective. it's OK to offend white people, males, etc. Only stirs the pot with double standards and that doesn't help. I curse, listen to loud offensive music and comedy, and am not afraid to consider controversial stances on any topic. political correctness also says you are 'xenophobic' for supporting border control............if you're American. you are 'racist' for making a joke about 'nappy headed hoes'..............unless you're not white. banning guns will make us safer........i got nothing else to add to that bit of stupidity HOWEVER, when people say political correctness and "God" in the same sentence, as if 'political correctness' is why people 'disobey' the Bible, I have to laugh. Religion is just 'politically correct' for cult.

Answer 3

Well to be politically correct about it, Political Correctness is just one-way good manners.

In two way good manners, one does not take offense when no offense was intended, and one does not repeat an unintended offense when graciously informed of how their words or deeds caused discomfort. And all of this only applies to the people actually communicating with one another. Third parties have no say.

But political correctness allows third parties to demand apologies from first parties when no offense was intended.

To be clear, however, Imus intended offense.

Answer 4

The United States Government is full of liars,cheats,dickheads,assholes,. Now for the really sad part,after the Nov 08 elections it will still belong to the SAME liars, cheats,dickheads and assholes. Whose fault is that? I say vote them all out and let them know we own this Country not them. Now this is Politically Correct.

Answer 5

Begginning to go overboard? We went WAY overboard a long time ago. PC hurts society because it prevents us from discussing subjects that need to be discussed.

Answer 6

Whats the point? More people get into trouble trying to be politicaly correct than they would have if they had just said it the way it is.

Answer 7

yes the truth does hurt sometimes, so be more mature about things I say and face up what you really are and somehow deal with it the best U can. A spade is a spade is a spade,no if's and buts aboutit either.

Answer 8

Politically correct is being polite to the point where nobody understands the point of what you are trying to say.

Answer 9

Worrying about offending people is a waste of energy. There are people who think they can affect opinion by stifling free speech. I would go out of my way to offend them.

Answer 10

being politically correct has taken the place of honesty, honor, integrity. a politician can be politically correct while smearing the constitution and bill of rights. it is truly a copout.