Politically Correct or Too Sensitive?

You could interpret my introduction an explanation or a disclaimer because it's both. I am not shy about tackling tough topics because I thoroughly believe people don't learn unless challenged. When I tackle these topics, I get a variety of comments and most I enjoy. I like the fact there is still individual thought flourishing in today's cookie cutter lifestyles and life goals.

Even more amazing is when I write about a fun topic or something I would never consider serious and out from the woodwork come those who take offense or have a long list of their opinions. My intention for "fun" hubs is never to spark debates or in depth discussion. Then I realized; are we all striving for an impossible politically correct sense of society? It's as if we're all judges, but simultaneously the culprits on trial.

If you look up the definition to "politically correct" (PC) I bet it says- a conspiracy to get people fighting amongst each other while the politicians sneak behind our backs and do everything politically incorrect. Let me give you some web definitions on the fun Urban Dictionary, perhaps meant to be funny or politically truthful (you decide, I'm staying out of this debate):

• A way we speak in America so we don't offend whiners.
• A powerful form of censorship.
• An agenda for people who believe their way is "right" and force it onto others.

The flaws of being politically correct are numerous. We would all have to have ESP and be psychic to know everything that offended everybody. There are generations that are unaware what is currently acceptable. There are foreigners from certain countries known to be passively blunt and truthful, but we don't reprimand them because us Americans should know better. There are things acceptable within a race or culture that is not acceptable for an "outsider" to do or say. There are wonderful people not getting involved for fear of what they can say or not say. We would also have to know and gauge every individuals sensitivity level before speaking to them as well.

My goal on this site is to write in a way that people learn from each other, aren't afraid to ask questions, or talk to anyone different than them for fear of "getting in trouble". Free speech is why I love writing. I think it is the last form of unspoiled freedom available to us, but it is dwindling. We are now a self-righteous, self-important society that values individualism as long as it doesn't step on someone else's individualism.

Recently, on Dr. Laura Schlessinger's radio talk show, she spoke with an African American female who was offended by her white husband joking with his friends using the N* word. Dr. Laura simply explained to the woman, the N* word is used without discretion by black people on HBO for example, all the time. It is true, I have been witness to black people using this word with ease. It doesn't seem to represent a touchy subject, however, if a white person uses this word, it is not only completely not politically correct, but a national witch hunt is currently in progress for what Dr. Laura said on her radio show. To be precise, she used the N* word 11 times.

Criticisms against Dr. Laura range from "That isn't funny", "It represents an ugly history", "There should be consequences", "it's more than just a word". Many argue the reason we have a black president is for racism to ease it's way out of social issues. If it isn't funny, then why do comedians, mainly black, use this word so consistently? Can't they be funny without it or at least let white folk in on the joke. What comedians' act doesn't contain openly offensive dialogue? Comedic humore is often at the expense of others.

The fact that blacks will use this among each other is proof, perhaps, there is no forgiving or resolving the slavery issue. Generation after generation live to pay an insurmountable and impossible debt. Nobody needs to be punished for this past anymore. No one needs to be slaves to words or chained and restrained by political correctness. As Dr. Laura replied, " We've got a black man for president and more people complaining about racism than ever".

More PC backlash: In my state (WA), a female cartoonist was posting images of Mohammed for, what she declared, an 'Everybody draw Mohammed Day'. There was a facebook page and website promoting this and Muslims soon banned it. In addition, the FBI prompted her to go into hiding because of death threats and is considered a "prime target". Read more... http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012919170_apusdrawmohammedday1stldwritethru.html

Here is some truth: "Almost all traditional attitudes on morals, Christianity, patriotism, crime and punishment and education are hated by the small, frenzied minority who have seized control of our culture. They wish to censor them, but we live in a free society and censorship is not allowed. So they have fastened on the idea that certain thoughts are 'offensive'. Whatever is written or spoken must be judged on the basis that some theoretical person in an advanced state of hypersensitivity and paranoia - an imaginary male transexual who is also a black, lesbian, disabled, Muslim single mother - is constantly present in all offices and factories, listening in at all public meetings and conversations, reading newspapers and watching TV programs and films. If anything might possibly offend this phantom lunatic, however remotely, then the person involved must be disciplined, sacked or prosecuted." Peter Hitchins

• what you or your kids are being taught in school will all be "politically correct" first and foremost. Some facts and important info will be withheld.
• More lawsuits. People have become more sensitive and manipulative.
• A justified right to take action, and violence, against others. People of certain nationalities or groups do not go to the court system to get justice.
• Holiday traditions, such as "Christmas" being referred to as "X-Mas". Christmas carols ban.
• History being taught in a way to focus on the negative aspects to "teach" kids sympathy and guilt.
• One-sided viewpoints and censorship, including freedom of speech.
• Backlash on humor and comedy
• Religion of any kind, being a sensitive topic and filtered out of mainstream society. Maybe one day you won't be able to say grace before eating your food in a public place- just a thought. Religion is not only targeted by other religions or atheists, but from the political arena as well.
• Throw out the classics; no more Baa Baa Black Sheep, Snow White and the Seven Little People or vertically challenged.
• You can't drink "black" coffee anymore or use slang; no "nit-picking" or "brainstorming".
• No more telling the truth. It must be given careful consideration before doing so.

Many years ago we dealt with segregation and built for us, a melting pot of everybody living together in the same country, but with different backgrounds. The melting pot theory was soon replaced by a tossed salad representation of people being separate, but still living amongst each other in this country. The melting pot was not acceptable because it suggested everybody, no matter what background, should assimilate themselves into American culture. This idea is similar to an American visiting another country and respecting that culture, not trying to change it, file lawsuits or becoming violent when their own personal culture is not recognized. Political correctness is trying to appease political agendas while losing our (U.S) identity.

There is definitely a problem of inconsistency with being P.C. What I find interesting is people within their group may refer to each other or speak to each other in ways that are not politically correct for others outside their group. For example, the N* word is OK if used among other African Americans or women who call each other "bitches", but take offense to a man saying that to them.

If we have to be politically correct every time we speak to or about someone else who isn't exactly the same as us, then we will soon not bother to associate with people outside of our race, religion, ethnicity, sex, and age. We will further drift apart and segregate groups this time, not by law, but by natural disconnection. Good judgement tells us when someone intends to offend us and that should not be tolerated. Otherwise, people are being oversensitive as a result of political correctness.