Introduction
Political correctness seeks to avoid actions or language that are perceived as insulting, marginalizing, or excluding individuals who are discriminated against, disadvantaged, or marginalized, particularly if the individuals are defined by race or gender. Political correctness has caused a great deal of irony because the concept of ethical living has introduced intrusive dimensions of what is referred to as ‘inappropriate language, unacceptable behavior, and offensive language’ as causing prejudice in society (Adams 8).
Negative Effects of Political Correctness
However, this has done more bad than good by generating ‘a whining and weakling nation of people who take offence on everything that doesn’t conform to their beliefs and ideas. The earlier-on ability to see things in plain white and black has been compromised, people see and hear what they want to hear. Inferiority complex also limits the genuineness of political correctness, because take an example of two people, one has the upper hand the other has the lower hand, the latter feels inferior thus may take offence on some words mentioned by the counterpart. This essay seeks to discuss and elaborate if we as citizens are giving up our right to free speech and civilization when we use politically correct language.
Political Incorrectness and Seclusion
Political incorrectness begins at a point where some individuals in the society feel secluded, because some people are cruel and thoughtless or they do not pay attention to the words that come out of their mouth although well-meaning.
Case Example; A case of discrimination in the society
“John Franklin Stephens, a man from Virginia with Down syndrome who serves as a “global messenger” for the Special Olympics. “The hardest thing about having an intellectual disability is the loneliness,” he once wrote in The Denver Post. We are aware when all the rest of you stop and just look at us. We are aware when you look at us and just say, ‘unh huh,’ and then move on, talking to each other. You mean no harm, but you have no idea how alone we feel even when we are with you.’’So, what’s wrong with ‘retard?’’ he asked? I can only tell you what it means to me and people like me when we hear it. It means that the rest of you are excluding us from your group. We are something that is not like you and something that none of you would ever want to be. We are something outside the ‘in’ group. We are someone that is not your kind” (Downes 12).
Suppression of Freedom of Speech
However, liberalists will argue that Political Correctness interferes with their ability to enjoy their civil rights as citizens such as freedom of expression and speech. It bars the citizens from speaking their minds and stating plain truths by suppressing their freedom of speech, sadly symbolism seems to beat facts. This simply means that dominant groups, for instance the majority in the senate, can easily and unopposed demonize the minority in the senate and suppress their opinions and bills that do not work for them regardless of the greater good for the citizens. The consequences are biased policies that suit their selfish interests and unfortunately, the minority cannot ‘call out’ and shame their selfish acts. Even in sports, there exist racial stereotypes who act like savages by protesting against naming of sports teams in Indian and African American names.
Removing Arrogant and Ignorant Stereotypes
This is just wrong and inhuman and portrays a negative image of African American and Indian names, without really telling the world what is so wrong with these names. Respect and dignity shouldn’t be fought for; it’s a democratic right of all citizens. Universities and sports teams should do everything in their power to remove these arrogant and ignorant stereotypes from professional and college sports. They should not spare a cent because it is long overdue and the dignified thing to kick out these shameless people. The controversy over changing ethnocentric mascot names is not a simple matter of stodgy white alums holding onto college memories. Indians, too, are conflicted. In a 2002 study on the subject, Sports Illustrated reported that 84% of Native Americans polled had no problem with Indian team names or mascots. Although the methods used by the magazine to reach these figures were later criticized, that misses the point. If 16% of a population finds something offensive, that should be enough to signal deep concern. There are many things in this country that are subject to majority rule; dignity and respect are not among them (Shakely, 1).
Anti-American Nature of Political Correctness
According to Adams (2017), in the 21st century America, to name a sports team after an African American, Asian, or any other ethnic group is unthinkable. So why are Native Americans still fair game? As benign as monikers like Fighting Sioux and Redskins or mascots like Chief Osceola may seem, they should take their place with the Pekin, Ill., Chinks and the Atlanta Black Crackers in the dust bin of history. It is the right thing to do. According to Adams (2017), nothing is more anti-American, anti-freedom, anti-truth, and anti-reality than political correctness. It is a noose around America’s neck, growing tighter each day. From identity politics and secularism to the all-powerful welfare state and the war against national identity, every problem in America today is compounded by this suffocating regime of thought control.
Polarization and Avoidance of Important Discussions
In my opinion, political correctness action has become polarized over time. It has created a far much worse situation seen in heated debates about matters to do with gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, and physical abilities to mention but a few. Political correctness has made people avoid those topics like a bad plague because they are close to heart and personal with conflicting opinions and ideologies. The whole political correctness movement was invented by the Far Right to inhibit any meaningful discussion of diversity issues in order to keep racial, gender, and other barriers in place (Gallagher 1).
Works Cited
Adams, Nick. Retaking America: Crushing Political Correctness. Washington: Simon and Schuster, 2017.
Downes, Lawrence. “A Word Gone Wrong.” The NewYork Times (2013): 10.
Gallagher, BJ. “The Problem With Political Correctness.” huffingtonpost (2013): 1.
Hughes, Geoffrey. Political Correctness: A History of Semantics and Culture. Chichester, U.K: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. Internet resource.
Shakely, Jack. “Indian mascots – you’re out.” Los Angeles Times (2011): 1.
