on being “Politically Correct” (PC)
Political correctness. It really is something of a dry joke most of the time. My favourite parodies are the politically correct bedtime stories, with Cinderella’s ‘Fairy Godperson’, and Snow White and the seven ‘vertically challenged men’ among many other choice phrases and bizarre twists.
What is my issue with political correctness? I know there are views out there that political correctness is a violation of free speech, a kind of totalitarian tyranny that is keeping its thumb firmly planted on our actions and words. I am less inclined to rant and rave at the government or system as the one who is primarily at fault. As with many of the fired-up terms we stake our values on, ‘freedom of speech’ is a given and inalienable right…within certain parameters. What sounds good on the glossy cover can become problematic when exercised excessively or with no concern for its reactions or consequences.
A project called ‘Free2choose’ set up in the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam invites visitors to watch a series of film clips on some controversial issues. After each one, they are asked to vote as to whether or not they would choose in favour of freedom of speech, freedom of religion or the right to privacy. The choices are much more difficult than you may think. For instance, a Neo-Nazi demonstration is being held in Berlin. Under our umbrella value of ‘freedom of speech’ the party have a right to demonstrate. Should we, however, extend that right to locations in front of synagogues?
A more recent and similar discussion revolves around the actions of Westboro Baptist church picketing outside funerals with signs stating ‘God hates fags’ and other such blatantly inflammatory statements. Aside from imposing a 150 metre of all protests outside funerals, no further silencing could be sought in line with the first amendment.
It would be sacrilegious to say the words ‘limit free speech’…but it is worth considering how much rope you will let it run with.
To speak freely, is not ‘PC’ most of the time. And this is in itself not detrimental. The original intention was to allow minorities who have been victimised and discriminated against a chance to alert the majority to derogatory words and statements which have sidelined and/or demonised them – words spoken without thought or consideration. This has been an invaluable lesson for all of us, this awareness that a word or phrase in general use can directly offend another, and that we have a responsibility to address it.
Does our current world of political correctness, however, actually tackle this responsibility? I believe it has in fact gone to such an extreme that, in fear of saying the ‘un-pc thing’, we end up saying nothing at all. The biggest and most frightening danger I find is that we are avoiding much deeper issues.
Our PC world can make sure to use the ‘correct’ term for the different colours of skin, but bypass any inherent racism; remove as much religious teaching and observance from formal education to avoid any favouritism, and then wonder at the discrimination that ensues from innocent ignorance; insert ramps and visual aids to assist those who are more vulnerable or in need of additional support, but fail to grant them access to the workplace or our personal lives.
We pencil push new terms and names around the table, but never change the sentiment behind the words themselves…
I think we need to let go a little, somehow, and not be afraid to make a few faux pas in our terminology as we go along. Our awareness of offending or sidelining another, if genuine, should also extend to seeking out an understanding of the other. And in the bigger picture, I’m sure a few slips of the tongue are outweighed by the endeavour to reconcile and reconnect with what has been a very prolonged silence…
Rx
