Politically Correct?

Political correctness is the "in" thing, but has it gotten to a place where we can't even have an opinion without being politically incorrect? Is there a point where politically correct stops being polite and instead equals censorship?

Just something fun to discuss.

A politician I know said this..."Political Correctness is the highest form of cowardess!"

His idea was that it is the same as lying. In altering our words to make people feel better about themselves and to hide our true feelings is not telling the truth.

I believe there are many ways in which the truth can be told without belittling another person in the process. The trick is to know your audience and what you really want to say.

Aren't they usually more accurate though? I do not consider improving accuracy of message to be censorship, but perhaps it is censorship of delivery or expression. I support improvements in accuracy and at the level of politics I can understand accuracy should be held in high regard. The level of correctness should be free to adjust depending on the environment its being used in, say perhaps adjust between the two extremes from politically correct (global, serious discussion) to politically incorrect (close friends, having a joke).

A warrior should not say something faint hearted even casually. He should set his mind to this beforehand. Even in trifling matters the depths of one's heart can be seen.

For a samurai, a single word is important no matter where he may be. By just one single word martial valor can be made apparent. In peaceful times words show one’s bravery. In troubled times, too, one knows that by a single word his strength or cowardice can be seen. This single word is the flower of one’s heart. It is not something said simply by one’s mouth.

There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. But doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to everything.

From the Hagakure...

Great article regarding the politically correct term(s) for little people and it's views from one of their perspectives.

Personally, I don't consider most politically correct terms to be censorship at all. Rather they are merely the least offensive way to describe something that is considered a touchy subject for certain people. To take the time to word your statements so that they do not cause offense is often the best way to converse...otherwise people will often get upset regarding your language and ignore your message.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

Interesting points.

I guess I was wondering about the times when the politically correct thing doesn't define the word any better or ends up losing the message. Like when I end up taking all male classes and they try to reword things not to offend me or they include things that take away from the point being made just to "appease" the lady.

If it's so apparent when it's being done, does it really help anybody? And do people really get that offended by politically incorrect (not to mean impolite) words?

Phortis Nespin wrote: A politician I know said this..."Political Correctness is the highest form of cowardess!"

His idea was that it is the same as lying. In altering our words to make people feel better about themselves and to hide our true feelings is not telling the truth.

I believe there are many ways in which the truth can be told without belittling another person in the process. The trick is to know your audience and what you really want to say.

If your grandmother or mother or any family member close put a lot of effort into making you...I don't know...a cake that you thought was ugly and distasteful, would you directly say your opinion to that relative? But wait! Lying to others and "altering our words to make people feel better about themselves...is the highest form of corwardess!" This is true, according to you, right? It's your own words....not mine.


Here's my point. Political correctness is, in my opinion, very necessary because, in fact, you will/should fib to others in order to make them feel better about themselves - depending on the situation.

The truth is NOT always the right thing to say, in my opinion. In Star Wars Episode IV, why do you think Obi-Wan (basically) fibbed to Luke about the story of Luke's father? See? Even Jedi feel the need to fib in certain situations.

Moreover, I understand that my example with the cake is a very small, family example - a no brainer to most of us, I assume. However, that is precisely why we must use that type of interaction in politics between nations.

After all, if you tell the truth and insult your mom or grandma or relative, the worse thing that can happen is that they get mad at you and storm off...

But if you tell the truth and insult another leader of an agressive nation.....we're talking mass lives in danger here.


Why then is political correctness "the highest form of cowardess" to you? (Do you actually believe that?) Is saying the truth more important than peace, to you?

Sean, he said a politician had stated that.

True, but I'm asking him if he personally believes that. (I think he does, since he's using it as a supporting quote to his argument!)

And, to be clear Phortis, I'm not trying to be argumentative/provocative. I just had a heated opinion to make. :laugh:

SeanChing

RE-READ what I wrote. Then argue with yourself.