: Of, relating to, or supporting a program of broad social, political, and educational change, especially to redress historical injustices in matters such as race, class, gender, and sexual orientation.
How many times have you heard on a talk show or read an article in the paper about an issue that would be considered politically correct, only to be followed dismissively with the phrase that is PC? When did politically correct become a condemnation?
Why is it shameful to take action to affect a change in behavior that offends, upsets or embarrasses people? Why are apologies expected from those who are working toward creating awareness of another's discomfort? Why is it that we expect shame from the person who is offended rather than from the person who is offensive? Am I the only one who feels as if she has stepped into an upside-down world?
It is inappropriate and offensive to tell sexually related [or dirty] jokes to or around persons who might be offended. It is wrong to mock a person for their sexual orientation or to make passes toward someone in the workplace. This is fairly basic social graces and not hard difficult to learn or teach.
It used to be that when someone crossed one of those lines -- when someone behaves inappropriately and offensively -- the offending party was referred to as a bore or an oaf. They were shunned and condemned by society until they apologized and learned to behave appropriately. This should have been covered in Basic Social Skills 101.
Today, these bores are hailed as innovative, down-to-earth and refreshing. These oafs are encouraged to host talk shows on television and radio and even to run for public office. It almost seems as if the more offensive the individual's behavior, the more popular they become. And should anyone dare to scold them for their outrageous behavior, the infamous phrase -- You are just being PC! is flung into their face and all discussion is shut down, exonerating everyone for their offensive behavior.
Recently there was a release of a bible rewrite -- to turn all pronouns non-gender specific. I heard this described as making the bible politically correct. This is not about being politically correct -- it is an example that is used to discredit political correctness and make anyone who supports PC behavior to appear to be plain old foolish. Do we really have to be so foolish to fall for this obvious ploy?
I think it is time we put a stop to allowing miss-characterizations -- time for us to stop being afraid to confront boorish behavior -- and time to stop allowing words to keep us from doing what is right. It is time to stop apologizing for being offended.
Until next time...
