Is political correctness a totalitarian ideology?

Question

Is the Critical Theory relevant?

Answer 1

It's self censorship usually, so as not to offend someone else for being born a certain color, being a member of a certain religion, etc. The idea is that if we don't name call or stereotype in the public, then we won't be stirring up hate and we can have a more enjoyable and productive discussion of the issues.

Answer 2

Government enforce political correctness would be censorship and totalitarian, but as far as I know the government only censors profanely, lewd behavior and advertising for some products on public airways these days. Fifty years ago using profanity in nightclub acts could get performers arrested in the US, so I think we are moving away not towards that sort of totalitarianism. Societal enforced prohibitions on behavior or speech is not totalitarian because disapproval is not force.
You could argue that the ban on cigarette advertising is government enforced political correctness, but if you did non smokers would disapprove of you.

Answer 3

Political correctness could be totalitarian if it extends itself universally, as seems to want. I say keep political correctness in the political arena, and leave the rest of us alone.

Answer 4

Political correctness = Compromising of free speech

Answer 5

Very interesting idea. It really is a censorship for free speech. But on the other hand, people can get a bit obnoxious with their choice of words. Where to draw the line? Like with everything, a medium dose is right, but to much or to little is wrong.

Answer 6

Absolutely.

Everyone who opposes Political Correctness should support Rodney Marsh on "I'm a Celebrity" to make a clear statement that we won't be cowed.

Answer 7

No, and your asking of this question means that you don't know what totalitarianism is.

Opponents to "political correctness" are just angry that they can't socially get away with insulting black people, gay people, the disabled, Asian people etc, without being called on their bigotry.

Answer 8

It's a way of brainwashing people into thinking we have equality (plus gets you used to having your thoughts controlled) when in fact nothing has changed.

Answer 9

Political-correctness is usually just good manners. So I guess how you feel about PC depends on how you were brought up.

Answer 10

yes! we do what we're told, we say what we're told,we think what we're told.that's what political correctness, sounds like the stuff of dictatorship to me.