The (Semi-) Myth Of Political Correctness

[Cameroi]

not so much a myth, as a phrase invented for propaganda purposes, to belittle real morality.

[Condunum]

not so much a myth, as a phrase invented for propaganda purposes, to belittle real morality.

It's really little more than another way to avoid justifying one's self. If it's PC madness, you aren't being grilled anymore.

[Prussia-Steinbach]

Let's be honest with ourselves: Conservative carpring about political correctness is largely an effort to avoid getting called out for being racist, sexist, or homophobic. It's as if Conservative America is telling the rest of us, "Look, if I want to call a black man 'nigger', a woman 'slut', and a gay man 'faggot", that's not my problem — it's yours. Grow a pair, accept my right to offend you, AND DON'T TALK BACK."

Thus, my response to criticism of "political correctness": If you want to be a racist, sexist, homophobic, or religious bigot, go ahead — shoot off your mouth. Use whatever hateful language and vile epithets you want; that IS indeed your right.

But don't whine when I rhetorically tear you a bloody new asshole, calling you out for your small-minded hatefulness and unsuitability as even a poor facsimile of a human being. If you're going to reserve the right to be insensitive to others around you, then I'm going to reserve the right to make your asshattery abundantly clear to the world, and ride you off into the sunset like a broken quarterhorse until you can't stand the sound of my voice in your ear.

Because if you insist on exercising your God-given right to bring discomfort and misery to the loves of others, then I'm going to make it my Karmic mission to bring discomfort and misery to yours. First Amendment, bitches.

I agree with this one hundred percent. Talk as much shit as you want, but don't get cry foul when people respond.

[Kumrann]

I hate rudeness and I think the idea behind political correctness is (in the words of Stewart Lee) to create a form of organised politeness. Whilst I think its good that we try not to offend people It's bad when it gets to the stage were people feel unable to express themselves because they fear saying something that will have them labeled as some sort of bigot. This of course seriously limits political discourse and our ability to have debates about sensitive issues - to the extent were our elected politicians refuse to talk about them. To the truth of the matter is I would rather live in country with free speech which sometimes offended listeners than one were peoples speech is limited.

[Yumyumsuppertime]

I hate rudeness and I think the idea behind political correctness is (in the words of Stewart Lee) to create a form of organised politeness. Whilst I think its good that we try not to offend people It's bad when it gets to the stage were people feel unable to express themselves because they fear saying something that will have them labeled as some sort of bigot. This of course seriously limits political discourse and our ability to have debates about sensitive issues - to the extent were our elected politicians refuse to talk about them. To the truth of the matter is I would rather live in country with free speech which sometimes offended listeners than one were peoples speech is limited.

If people fear being labeled some sort of bigot, and they aren't bigoted, then they should be able to explain why. "That's bigoted" doesn't need to be the end of the discussion. It can be the beginning. Of course, for those who believe that there may be some truth to the charge, I can see why they'd be reluctant to confront the label.

[Warda]

I hate rudeness and I think the idea behind political correctness is (in the words of Stewart Lee) to create a form of organised politeness. Whilst I think its good that we try not to offend people It's bad when it gets to the stage were people feel unable to express themselves because they fear saying something that will have them labeled as some sort of bigot. This of course seriously limits political discourse and our ability to have debates about sensitive issues - to the extent were our elected politicians refuse to talk about them. To the truth of the matter is I would rather live in country with free speech which sometimes offended listeners than one were peoples speech is limited.

If people fear being labeled some sort of bigot, and they aren't bigoted, then they should be able to explain why. "That's bigoted" doesn't need to be the end of the discussion. It can be the beginning. Of course, for those who believe that there may be some truth to the charge, I can see why they'd be reluctant to confront the label.

Your expecting people to actually follow information and not just follow buzz words.

[Sealand of America]

The only thing I have to say is speech has power. It can convince action or inaction. Too few people take that into account when they use their so called freedom. More people need to do a lot less talking and take a speech Charlie Chappline did to heart its on YouTube.

[Yumyumsuppertime]

If people fear being labeled some sort of bigot, and they aren't bigoted, then they should be able to explain why. "That's bigoted" doesn't need to be the end of the discussion. It can be the beginning. Of course, for those who believe that there may be some truth to the charge, I can see why they'd be reluctant to confront the label.

Your expecting people to actually follow information and not just follow buzz words.

Like "politically correct"?

[Pandeeria]

You can be politically correct and still have free and uncensored discussion. Though I do admit PCness has gotten a bit out of hand lately.

[Yumyumsuppertime]

You can be politically correct and still have free and uncensored discussion. Though I do admit PCness has gotten a bit out of hand lately.

Use examples.

[Nightkill the Emperor]

You can be politically correct and still have free and uncensored discussion. Though I do admit PCness has gotten a bit out of hand lately.

Use examples.

The main thing I can think of is when black people from non-America get called African Americans.

I find that hilarious.

[Pandeeria]

You can be politically correct and still have free and uncensored discussion. Though I do admit PCness has gotten a bit out of hand lately.

Use examples.

If I say the word retard (even if it's completely out of context and I'm not in anyway referring to mentally ill people) they will freak out and correct. Same goes for if I use the word black instead of African American. Etc.

[Yumyumsuppertime]

Use examples.

The main thing I can think of is when black people from non-America get called African Americans.

I find that hilarious.

Okay, that's stupid. But it doesn't limit speech, which was my original point. In fact, it's a perfect example of my favorite side benefit of free and unfettered speech, which is the opportunity for people to show themselves to be utter idiots.

[Yumyumsuppertime]

Use examples.

If I say the word retard (even if it's completely out of context and I'm not in anyway referring to mentally ill people) they will freak out and correct. Same goes for if I use the word black instead of African American. Etc.

Yes, if you use the word retard, people will take offense, as it's an offensive slang term, like "fag". So deal with it and explain why it isn't offensive. Bonus points if you can do that to a mentally challenged person without feeling a small bit of your soul shrivel away.

Nobody's going to seriously take offense to your use of the word "black".

[Hallistar]

Use examples.

The main thing I can think of is when black people from non-America get called African Americans.

I find that hilarious.

I find it more hilarious when black people from America go to other predominately white nations and they're thought of (by some) as welfare leeching immigrants who must've fled from Sudan or wherever else.

[Hallistar]

Yeah, political correctness is for black pussy liberal nigger-faggots, and don't you get offended.

Fixed for the reference

[Nazi Flower Power]

I think people should be allowed to say when they're offended, but that it should not be assumed that they are right to be offended or that whoever offended them needs to shut up. People need to be more willing to stand their ground when expressing controversial opinions. The only reason why political correctness shuts down debate is because people allow themselves to be shut down. Just because someone regurgitates a pedantic lecture about institutional racism and white privilege doesn't mean you have to stop talking and bow down to the lesbian Lizardwomen.

[Yumyumsuppertime]

I think people should be allowed to say when they're offended, but that it should not be assumed that they are right to be offended or that whoever offended them needs to shut up. People need to be more willing to stand their ground when expressing controversial opinions. The only reason why political correctness shuts down debate is because people allow themselves to be shut down. Just because someone regurgitates a pedantic lecture about institutional racism and white privilege doesn't mean you have to stop talking and bow down to the lesbian Lizardwomen.

Exactly my point, except for the lesbian LIzardwomen. I have no clue what that's about, but now I'm going to go see how far this Rule 34 thing goes.

[Big Jim P]

To hell with PC. Some people deserve to be offended.

[Nazi Flower Power]

Same goes for if I use the word black instead of African American. Etc.

People always cite this as an example of political correctness, but I haven't really seen it. I use "black" all the time and nobody gives me a hard time about it.

[Nazi Flower Power]

I think people should be allowed to say when they're offended, but that it should not be assumed that they are right to be offended or that whoever offended them needs to shut up. People need to be more willing to stand their ground when expressing controversial opinions. The only reason why political correctness shuts down debate is because people allow themselves to be shut down. Just because someone regurgitates a pedantic lecture about institutional racism and white privilege doesn't mean you have to stop talking and bow down to the lesbian Lizardwomen.

Exactly my point, except for the lesbian LIzardwomen. I have no clue what that's about, but now I'm going to go see how far this Rule 34 thing goes.

Well, I thought lesbian Lizardwomen are what the far-right is so afraid of...

[Regnum Dominae]

This is generally true, although of course there are definitely examples of PC taken way too far.

[Nervium]

My signature has a very sensible point on political correctness. The subjects for political correctness may have changed since the early 1940s, but the ways in which it is generally carried out have not. It's not so much overt government censorship - which is a shame, because then people couldn't deny it - but rather a sickening, deceptive form of self-censorship by those genuinely afraid of offending someone or something they're afraid to offend.

Let's be honest with ourselves: Conservative carpring about political correctness is largely an effort to avoid getting called out for being racist, sexist, or homophobic. It's as if Conservative America is telling the rest of us, "Look, if I want to call a black man 'nigger', a woman 'slut', and a gay man 'faggot", that's not my problem — it's yours. Grow a pair, accept my right to offend you, AND DON'T TALK BACK."

Thus, my response to criticism of "political correctness": If you want to be a racist, sexist, homophobic, or religious bigot, go ahead — shoot off your mouth. Use whatever hateful language and vile epithets you want; that IS indeed your right.

But don't whine when I rhetorically tear you a bloody new asshole, calling you out for your small-minded hatefulness and unsuitability as even a poor facsimile of a human being. If you're going to reserve the right to be insensitive to others around you, then I'm going to reserve the right to make your asshattery abundantly clear to the world, and ride you off into the sunset like a broken quarterhorse until you can't stand the sound of my voice in your ear.

Because if you insist on exercising your God-given right to bring discomfort and misery to the loves of others, then I'm going to make it my Karmic mission to bring discomfort and misery to yours. First Amendment, bitches.

I... I, ... I love you for this.

[Hathradic States]

I find that the hype over it, on both sides, is overrated severely.

[Nationstatesology]

There is no such thing as Political correctness your all Conspiracy theorists.

Political Correctness in action.