Does political correctness stifle reasonable debate?

Answer 1

The most persuausive argument I heards about PC is it has essentially two meanings.

One is simple politeness and tact; you wouldn't ask someone about his huge facial disfigurement, and in our enlightened tolerant times, you wouldn't bring up someone's race/religion/sexual orientation for no reason in normal conversation.

The other is a broadly left-wing, but quite close-minded, view of the world that stifles opinion it deems offensive. Counter-productive, because then the reactionary right claims there's some big left-wing PC conspiracy and that they, one of the country's biggest selling tabloids, is the sole voice of reason and is under threat from the Liberal Secret Police.

Answer 2

Only if you're stupid enough to let it. Too many people claim PC is stifling debate, when what they mean is that they want to express racist, sexist, homophobic views, without it being pointed out that those views are racist, sexist or homophobic.

How many times have our resident Y!A racists put forward a question like "Who thinks all Pakis should be shot?" and then complained about PC-ness when they're accused of being racist?

Don't confuse PC with simple courtesy and decency!

Answer 3

It can do - people do not seem to grasp the concept of advacatae diabalus any more! And often I find there is a false dichotomy presented in debate; If you are not in favour of open borders, you must be a racist (or the other way around, if you are not in favour of immigration control you must be pro-terrorist!) But PC is also seized upon by bigots and racists as a weapon - if anyone points out the racism, or even the illogic of their statements they are just 'being PC'!

Answer 4

In some instances, yes. It makes trivial matters in to larger issues and so the genuine issues get ignored and are only fuelled by the ignorance of the population.

E.g., if I call a black person 'coloured' the whole world comes down on my head. But me and a gang of white friends mugged an Asiam woman, it would just be another statistic on the news.

Answer 5

Yes. Political correctness is used to eliminate debate and discredit opponents of various social reforms by labeling them as racists, misogynists, and bigots. While victims have the right to articulate their views, the same right does not belong to people who oppose their views.
Political correctness insists on “truths” contrary to reality, human nature, and experience. It also threatens free society by attaining conformity through intimidation and force.

Answer 6

I do believe that political correctness stifles most reasonable debate. But I do not believe that pointing out that someone is racist or homophobic are incidences of political correctness. Political correctness refuses the rights of those outside the norms from engaging in debate or from partaking in political activities advocating their position. This drives the extremists of society outside the political process and permits them to perceive themselves as a wrongly aggrieved group. Once "underground" they are able to mutually indoctrinate themselves and sympathizers rather than answer the pointed questions of political opponents. Debate in a free society invariably results in change and ultimately denies power to those whose arguments cannot stand up to rational discourse. Removing extremists from debate empowers them permitting them to act outside the political process in ways detrimental to that process. There will always be those who will step outside of rational discourse, but dismissing what we perceive to be irrational commentary without rational response destroys our own credibility. John Stuart Mill argued that not until you understood the arguments of your opponents were you capable of true dialogue with them. Dismissing "incorrect" opinions without dialogue is, in my humble opinion, a sign of political weakness and inferiority; not a sign of strength.

Answer 7

It certainly makes having a reasonable and reasoned discussion about anything vaguely contentious or which involves gender, race or sex or equality issues extremely difficult, especially if one wishes to accept or propound a view which contradicts the politically accepted standpoint.

Answer 8

Depends on how close you are to the crowd you are talking to. Most love good debates but no one likes being insulted. I should imagine if you talk reasonably most people will treat you likewise.

Answer 9

Absolutely!

Answer 10

Yes it does. People are rarely given a chance to explain what they mean fully before someone jumps down their throat with some do-gooder speech.

It has got to the point whereby people can't openly discuss the differences between cultures. And if people don't discuss, then people will remain ignorant, which its the root cause of all prejudice.