I'm a big fan of political correctness. Yes, I'm serious. I'm not being ironic, or sarcastic. It's a vital tool for maintaining a healthy, free society. It's a personal, moral responsibility
Political correctness is a valid way to express our values as a society. The vast bulk of our interactions with others aren't dictated by laws; they are informed by the unwritten mores and preferences that we all hold to one degree or another. For the most part, we moderate our behavior because we care how others will see us and how we will see ourselves - not because we are afraid of going go jail. Most of us understand that if our neighbors think we're assholes, they won't want to associate with us. And most of us don't want to be alienated. Political correctness is what "polices" social behavior beyond issues of law.
It's also a responsibility. If I run a media outlet - a newspaper, let's say - I have a responsibility to myself and my readers to refrain from printing articles advocating ideas that I, or my readers, find morally repugnant. The first amendment gives me the right to print whatever I want. But if I abuse that right, I risk losing the respect of those who think I'm out of line. No one should ever face censure from government for speaking their mind, but they can, and should, be held accountable by their community.
Political correctness is an important outlet, especially when we're working through controversial issues, because it allows us to tolerate values that we disagree with - without accepting them. We can't arrest someone who insists on using racial slurs, but we can sure as hell let them know that we don't approve - and avoid them if they persist. We can't arrest someone who refuses to treat women as equals, but we can fire him, or refuse to patronize his business.
Political correctness is really just a rebranding of the ancient societal practice of 'shunning'. It isn't legally binding, and never should be. It's people standing up for their values in a free society. Deal with it.
Political correctness is a valid way to express our values as a society. The vast bulk of our interactions with others aren't dictated by laws; they are informed by the unwritten mores and preferences that we all hold to one degree or another. For the most part, we moderate our behavior because we care how others will see us and how we will see ourselves - not because we are afraid of going go jail. Most of us understand that if our neighbors think we're assholes, they won't want to associate with us. And most of us don't want to be alienated. Political correctness is what "polices" social behavior beyond issues of law.
It's also a responsibility. If I run a media outlet - a newspaper, let's say - I have a responsibility to myself and my readers to refrain from printing articles advocating ideas that I, or my readers, find morally repugnant. The first amendment gives me the right to print whatever I want. But if I abuse that right, I risk losing the respect of those who think I'm out of line. No one should ever face censure from government for speaking their mind, but they can, and should, be held accountable by their community.
Political correctness is an important outlet, especially when we're working through controversial issues, because it allows us to tolerate values that we disagree with - without accepting them. We can't arrest someone who insists on using racial slurs, but we can sure as hell let them know that we don't approve - and avoid them if they persist. We can't arrest someone who refuses to treat women as equals, but we can fire him, or refuse to patronize his business.
Political correctness is really just a rebranding of the ancient societal practice of 'shunning'. It isn't legally binding, and never should be. It's people standing up for their values in a free society. Deal with it.
