Political Correctness

[thebigother]

Is it just me, or does it seem like this is a term that is more and more being used to describe views that run counter to the political consensus? I think that by and large when people accuse somebody of being too PC, they mean just the opposite. An example I'd use is that any time I mention I don't like it when people use the word "bitch" or "fag" I get called PC, but really what I'm doing is making a statement that runs counter to the overall political consensus (and that consensus being that in certain situations it's okay to degrade the identities of women and homosexuals, as long as it isn't the primary goal of the person using such terms.)

It's not about where they stand in regards to the system, it's about what purpose the serve in the system!

[sr113]

It seems that somewhere along the way, America got this insane notion that they have the right to not be offended. It's stupid concepts like that that make us look like idiots.

[russbutter]

its a great example of how the right wing is so good at branding. As far as I know, the use of PC as you refer to it started with Limbaugh.
It really bothers me that its un-cool and dorky to stand up for shit like that. I left my last job because of all the not so subtle racial and sexual bs. I could take it. But the way they talked about gay people or asian people really bothered me. I brough it to my bosses attention but he told me to go to my supervisor. The source of it!
So I quit!
But yeah, I hate being called PC because that implies I am answering to some commitee of what is correct and not correct. As if my own conscience isnt sufficient.

[thebigother]

I hate being called PC because it's a fantastic way to win an argument without having to actually address any arguments. In contemporary political discourse, the PC card trumps everything.
And I think the left is just as guilty of this branding as the right. Both sides treat it as a sort of Orwellian rightthink and use it as tool to create false and artificial dichotomies. Left of centre parties in this so called "post ideological era" us political correctness as tool for measuring "progressiveness" (Progress of course being defined by what ever is politically chic at the moment). The left's attachment of status to political correctness makes them just as guilty of perpetuating that sort of branding and labeling as the right

[Anne_Archy]

Is it just me, or does it seem like this is a term that is more and more being used to describe views that run counter to the political consensus? I think that by and large when people accuse somebody of being too PC, they mean just the opposite. An example I'd use is that any time I mention I don't like it when people use the word "bitch" or "fag" I get called PC, but really what I'm doing is making a statement that runs counter to the overall political consensus (and that consensus being that in certain situations it's okay to degrade the identities of women and homosexuals, as long as it isn't the primary goal of the person using such terms.)

It's not about where they stand in regards to the system, it's about what purpose the serve in the system!

One of my pet hates! The whole dynamic around this is interesting. As you are describing above, it's like the speaker making the derisive sexist/racist/homophobic comments is confident in the knowledge that they're just voicing the prevailing discourse. Uttering statements that any "sensible" person would adhere to. If you go against this then they will cut the debate off by calling you PC! The term seems to then equate you with being some sort of nutter from the loony left, a no-fun, politically brain-washed loser.

Our recent conservative government used language in an interesting way. Anybody who didn't agree with their prevailing rhetoric was called "un-Australian". It was never quite explained what that meant - but the use of the term would be deeply judgemental! The "Un-Australian" in question would be accorded the same sort of status as a kiddy fiddler or rapist!

[ToxicVomit]

I all reality.......it's just a matter of ignorance that much of the population falls into when mass media and corporate empires throw slogans and corrupted broadcasts in the face of the population.......

An example would be: "Either your with us, or your with the terrorists!" George W. Bush

......I would go on, but have to go to work!!!!!!!!!!

[graydog]

England has a very big prob with these twats
the PC brigade are mouthpiece for the BNP they
stir up so much hatered
just in yesterdays paper a woman write her own version
of the 3 little pigs for a compitition,yes they though it
out becaues they didnt want to offend muslims.
and on a radio phone in muslims came on and
said they were offended by these people the PC brigade that is
gary

[jonhomeowner]

One of my pet hates! The whole dynamic around this is interesting. As you are describing above, it's like the speaker making the derisive sexist/racist/homophobic comments is confident in the knowledge that they're just voicing the prevailing discourse. Uttering statements that any "sensible" person would adhere to. If you go against this then they will cut the debate off by calling you PC! The term seems to then equate you with being some sort of nutter from the loony left, a no-fun, politically brain-washed loser.

Our recent conservative government used language in an interesting way. Anybody who didn't agree with their prevailing rhetoric was called "un-Australian". It was never quite explained what that meant - but the use of the term would be deeply judgemental! The "Un-Australian" in question would be accorded the same sort of status as a kiddy fiddler or rapist!
You're un-Australian.

[ChrisJones]

its a great example of how the right wing is so good at branding. As far as I know, the use of PC as you refer to it started with Limbaugh.
It really bothers me that its un-cool and dorky to stand up for shit like that. I left my last job because of all the not so subtle racial and sexual bs. I could take it. But the way they talked about gay people or asian people really bothered me. I brough it to my bosses attention but he told me to go to my supervisor. The source of it!
So I quit!
But yeah, I hate being called PC because that implies I am answering to some commitee of what is correct and not correct. As if my own conscience isnt sufficient.

Political correctedness is ok to a degree.

The right wingers don't change their minds in the face of obvious facts. They distort reality basing their decisions on traditions. An ideology, really. It's not hard to see why a Politically Correct person would anger them because that person seems to just be reacting to outside stimulus and not thinking for themselves(according to conservatives).

The left relies on values. They base values on obvious personal experiences and known facts. Values are what drive people to take steps to do great things for humanity. I'm just discovering this now in my personal life.

This goes much deeper than I can really explain.(I'm the economics guy, not the politician, nor lawyer)
The problem with political correctness is it can get ugly unchecked. It doesn't ever try to persuade the other side to a different angle. Instead it resorts to name calling and finger pointing. It's an efficient skill for an investigation of sorts but it gets absolutely nothing done as far as real positive change. Pointing out the flaws in things doesn't necessarily provide a solution. This mentality can drive you in circles. Make you mad!(in a British insane way)

[Anne_Archy]

You're un-Australian.

Nice one!

[thebigother]

I get called un-Canadian quite a bit. I usually answer with "Thanks!" or "Yeah, and?"

[thebilldweller]

i say piss on political correctness,isnt for me

[Rockula]

Yeah! Fuck all the bitches, lesbos, fags, yanks and niggers, eh? Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke. :rolleyes:

[graydog]

Thats certainly not politically correct, i know its just an example:D

[ChrisJones]

Overly political correctedness can cause one to lack a sense of humor. You'll never get chicks that way.

[jonhomeowner]

i say piss on political correctness,isnt for me
YOU WIN THE INTERNET award for the dumbest mother fucker, ever.

[sinisterplague]

"Nigger," "Faggot", "Bitch," "Chink"

There just words. They mean nothing.

If I was black or gay, I wouldn't care. (unless I was just really pissed off and lookin for a fight.)

[thebigother]

"Nigger," "Faggot", "Bitch," "Chink"

There just words. They mean nothing.
No, they aren't just words that don't mean anything. They're words explicitly designed to degrade somebody based on their race or gender. Language doesn't exist in a vacuum, no matter how much fun it might be to use rude words.

If I was black or gay, I wouldn't care. (unless I was just really pissed off and lookin for a fight.)
And if I was somebody who believed in speculation as a valid form of argument, I wouldn't take the time to point out the absurd fallacy of this statement. But I'm not such a person, and you're not black or gay, so it's just that, speculation, and a pretty ignorant one at that.

[ChrisJones]

I won't use the "N" word until somebody comes up with a word against white people that is just as insulting.

Speaking on behalf of white folks, seriously, "cracker"? C'mon! Who is insulted by that stupid word?

[thebigother]

I've never understood why anybody would be offended by being called a cracker either. It seems like the only people people who mind are uptight white people who are upset that they can't run around slurring minorities like they used to. Not to mention that there is absolutely no history of black slave using the term to maintain control over their white slaves. It's really silly the way some people try to draw a comparison between that and other slurs; as if they exist on equal footing.

[xdipsomaniacx]

No, they aren't just words that don't mean anything. They're words explicitly designed to degrade somebody based on their race or gender. Language doesn't exist in a vacuum, no matter how much fun it might be to use rude words.

And if I was somebody who believed in speculation as a valid form of argument, I wouldn't take the time to point out the absurd fallacy of this statement. But I'm not such a person, and you're not black or gay, so it's just that, speculation, and a pretty ignorant one at that.

That wasn't very nice. Young white kids from affluent suburban neighborhoods deal with a lot of prejudice. They lead extremely difficult lives and are truly oppressed. And I would never judge them :|