The disease of politcal correctness

In a different topic, someone posted a response that some perceived to be mysogynistic, even though the context did not imply it at all, and it certainly was not stated explicitly.

I've seen these kind of things happen before, where someone is attacked or "called out" for posting an offensive remark, even when no offense was intended, nor implied. I understand that most who come to this Temple arrive with an expectation of a peaceful environment where harmony can be had. But when did respectful conversation get trumped by politcal correctness? In the media and offline it happens a lot too, people are more concerned over not saying something that might be perceived as an offense by someome else, so the natural flow of respectful conversation turns into walking on eggshells and completely screws it up.

I would expect that in a place where growth is promoted criticism would be encouraged (as long as it is respectful), so I would leave any political correctness out the door.

Why is political correctness so prevalent in society nowadays? Is it justified? Do we really want it at TotJO?

Agreed, Manu. We cannot grow or move positively through life if we are all hog-tied. It is very easy to take the written word out of context, but as a society, we could all do a better job of taking a step back and considering the real intent of a message before throwing down the "I'm offended" card.

There's a difference between a judgmental statement of opinion, and a non-judgmental statement of fact. Myself, I'm here to grow as a person, and I expect my views to be challenged in the spirit of respect and mutual concern for growth. If someone tells me my ideas are "stupid" then I might have my feelings hurt and be inclined to respond that "I'm offended". A better way, I think, is that it would do me well to recognise that perhaps my ideas ARE in fact stupid. In such an instance, I can learn from the experience and move forward positively from it. The discredit then, lies not with me and my faulty ideas, but instead lies in the accuser for choosing words which are harshly judgmental when not necessary.

I think by virtue of us being here, we are all in one way or another attempting to reach a level of awesomeness that can only be achieved through grace, dignity, kindness, humour, friendliness and kinsmanship. Let's do that!

You can't do or say something without offending someone, or someones beliefs. I always find it is easier to start any sort of conversation that might offend someone with "now I'm not generalizing with this statement, just stating an opinion on a particular subject". And that's not for all conversations, although I was once talking with someone about bacon and the person at the next table asked me not to because they were vegan and it offended them. I ordered them a BLT with extra bacon, just kidding.

When it comes to public forums, keep it to yourself I say, unless it is a forum with no boundaries if you're with friends make sure they understand it is just an open conversation and stuff might come up that could be deemed offensive, but you're only saying it for the context it brings into the conversation.

For example, I've said a few times about ISIS being Muslim, and people say they aren't. I say that in the eyes of ISIS supporters they are probably the only ones being devout to the scripture as they interpret it. And that usually offends everyone and their dog as well.

SkiddyJ wrote: For example, I've said a few times about ISIS being Muslim, and people say they aren't. I say that in the eyes of ISIS supporters they are probably the only ones being devout to the scripture as they interpret it. And that usually offends everyone and their dog as well.

This is a great example of political correctness gone bonkers. I understand that people want to defend Muslims from discrimination and avoid the generalization of ALL of them as terrorists. But it is fact that ISIS is made up of radical Muslims, no amount of political correctness can hide that.

Dechlain wrote: I think by virtue of us being here, we are all in one way or another attempting to reach a level of awesomeness that can only be achieved through grace, dignity, kindness, humour, friendliness and kinsmanship. Let's do that!

Oh please let's! :laugh:

A good first step would be to consider, briefly, what this situation looks like through the eyes of the people who believe the exact opposite of what you do. Really get into their shoes, so to speak. Try to believe that their position is the correct one, if only for the briefest of moments.

Coming at it with the answer predefined is not the best way to handle it, certainly not the 'Jedi' way of handling it.

While those in this thread (myself too, lol) as well as others not yet post may be at a spot in our lives, not every member or guest is...

A more, uh, "free" forum has been discussed, there has been no idea on how best to signify that conversations are more controversial and could get heated...

Until we can figure out a "signal", we've held off on too open of forums....

I'll tell you another issue...

Not being able to apologize.....

If Manu says something to offend me, and I tell him, many times the response is implied that I would need to get over it...

Now, obviously, I do get that, but, if I was, maybe not as far along on the path, I may think Manu is a jerk, and that as he is tolerated, perhaps everyone is.... And, I may leave...

As we are trying to help people improve, them leaving is not helpful to them...

An apology, and a PM to explain may help too...

But, it often falls to the victim to just "get over it"....

Manu wrote:
Why is political correctness so prevalent in society nowadays? Is it justified? Do we really want it at TotJO?

For some people it is a way of manipulation, control and power over others.

Rickie wrote:

Manu wrote:
Why is political correctness so prevalent in society nowadays? Is it justified? Do we really want it at TotJO?

For some people it is a way of manipulation, control and power over others.

I am a feminist, meaning that I believe all persons of every gender should be treated with equal fairness. I would appreciate certain meatheads not saying that I am "obsessed with rape" because of that belief. And I don't believe it is unfair or "politically correct" for me to do so, it's just an incorrect generalization.

That's all I have to say on the matter.

Political correctness is another name for using language reflecting a desire to show tolerance of people with other beliefs, ideas, cultures, orientations, values etc etc. Jedi are called on to be mediators, communicators. Peacemakers.

There is very little peace to be made by calling people fags, niggers, other such derogatory, "non-PC" terms. If your language offends someone, you have created an obstacle to communication and meaningful dialogue.

I believe a working understanding of political correctness is an essential skill for Jedi. That includes understanding where applying/enforcing it only creates a different kind of barrier.