Political Correctness

There are no bad words, just bad thoughts. - George Carlin

I don't think it's any more appropriate for a black person to call another black person a nigger than if it were a white person or any other race saying it to a black person. Nor is it anymore appropriate for a gay man to call another gay man a fag than for a straight person to do the same.

I think if people would sit back and examine why they're so offended they would find cause to rise above another's ignorance and continue about their way. If we can't admit the differences afforded us how can we ever learn to appreciate them? In every race, in every religion, in every creed there is always going to be differing abilities and capabilities within. It's the importance society places on those differences that create the hatred, the mistrust and the need to overtake or overcome.

Humans have very limited defense mechanisms. We do not have teeth that can rip and tear live flesh with ease like other predators, we do not have claws to defend ourselves with so all we are left with is our ability to reason. That which is different from you must be feared until it is determined to no longer be a threat. Just because we are people and have feelings, opinions, needs, wants and desires does not make us exempt from rebuke at first introduction.

Only now through science and extensive research have we learned that all of the basic body parts are the same, organs in the same locations and we all possess the general ability to express needs and thoughts. In this same research we have learned that there are tiny differences in genetic makeup that make one group different than another.

What truly separate us is economics, classism, education and the willingness to do something about it. There is not a soul on the planet who has not judged something first and accepted later after learning more about the subject in question. It's just the way it works. Instead of trying to completely change the way we're wired to behave, we should embrace it and celebrate it and work to understand each other for a more peaceful existance.

Political correctness spits in the eye of all of that. It's a form of code for the true racists to say what they want to say without actually saying it, we all know what they're really thinking.

Some things, yes, may be better to be politically correct about, but it's really gone way too far. Since when is Santa saying "Ho ho ho" a bad thing? It was perfectly fine when I was a kid. I will remain politically incorrect about a lot of things in my life, because I feel some of it is really unoffensive and becomes an issue when it is changed. Everyone can't be made happy at the same time.

Not for political correctness. Political correctness is really just about controlling others.

As someone with Blackfoot and Delaware blood running through me, I've always found "Indian" a ridiculous term. I don't find it insulting, but for crying out loud, Christopher Columbus' honest mistake shouldn't be perpetuated 500+ years later. Admittedly, there is no ideal term, but "Indian" is just plain stupid.

At the same time, political correctness has certainly gone a bit overboard. You can't call someone who does filing and typing in an office a secretary anymore? Someone who mops floors and empties garbage cans is no longer a janitor?

My main problem with political correctness, however, is that words are not the problem-- context is. Audra pointed this out above by quoting George Carlin, whose stand-up routines on the topic were sheer genius. I don't mean comic genius, but intellectual genius.

By haranguing those who use words innocently and ignoring the context in which they are used, you gloss over the hate, fear, and ignorance that is behind why people use certain words anyway. To continue what Audra was saying, "nigger", for example, is certainly a hurtful, ignorant word when used by a bigot, but in newspaper articles it has to be referred to as the "n-word"? Come on, who are we kidding here? We all know what the "n-word" is and there is nothing wrong with using the word in a technical sense.

Political correctness is also unequally enforced. "Nigger" or "negro" is disallowed, but "redskin" is fine? "That's so gay" is widely used, but for the love of god, don't say "stewardess"?

Don't get me wrong, there are certain words or phrases, when used in the context of hate and bigotry, that should get someone fired, censured, or otherwise punished, but do it for the context, not the word. Every time someone gets called out for using what someone considers an insensitive word, the focus should be why they felt the need to use that word to begin with. When that happens, there is the opportunity for education and healing. Without it, the sentiments and beliefs don't change. If anything, they get reinforced.

Actually, I am a Navajo Indian and virtually every Indian I have ever known prefers to either be called an Indian or by their Tribe designation. We all think that a 'native American' is anyone who is born in America.

Simple things like in your example, "Fighter fighter instead of Fireman" don't bother me, but when it comes to race, and/or disablement I think we need political correctness.
Also on another note, I hate that when ever I'm filling out a form and it asked for my race I have to say "White" can't I have a bit of political correctness too? I'm Caucasian dammit.

I think many of the attempts to "sanitize" terminology are actually condescending in their own right. In addition, some of the PC terms are just plain silly. Someone who needs glasses is "visually challanged" while someone who cannot see is "blind" (who is offended?).

Political correctness is political. Nothing good comes from politics.

I am rarely politically correct. I try not to hurt peoples feelings but sometimes it just happens.

im somewhat for it

I am completely opposed to PC in any form. That doesn't mean that I would condone or support hate-speech, but I think that people need to be thick skinned enough to not let every little thing hurt their feelings.

I completely support being PC however, from person to person that will vary. I know people who find "African-American" offensive and others who despise "Black" and one friend wanted to be called brown. How can we create something politically PC when every person wants something different?
I would rather be called white than Caucasian.

It goes too far sometimes. And people seem to getting overly sensitive about things.

I've had sooooooo many forms with college applications, standardized tests, etc. that use politically correct terms for all races except "White". That, when they use some politically correct terms and not others, bothers me to no end.

Visually challenged instead of blind is a little much, too. I mean I'm visually challenged, but I'm not blind. That is too vague of a term.

I love some of the things that have been done but a lot of it is way to much

I agree with it to a degree. Some people take it to an extreme

I am really not for polital corectness. I mean in some cases, I would prefer people use lighter terms than somethign offensive. I can't really think of any, but I wouldn't just say "nigger" or anythign like that. Honestly, I just choose to be respectful of ALL people and never be rude or hurtful intentionally. I don't have any issues and so far have really not offended many. Lol except a couple people here! Lol. But, I don't say rude, hurtful or negative, disrespectful things to or about others and that's worked out for me so far. I go by how I prefer to be treated and I treat others the way God would want. That to me, is better than being politically correct. I mean it truly has been taken too far at this point. I don't get offended when people call me that white-Christian chick. I don't care for the word chick, but that's a different story. My skin looks white so that to me, is no different than someone saying "that blue-eyed chick." Alot of people think any use of the words white, black, etc is wrong. I've been called a mexican on many occasions and although I am not, it doesn't offend me. IF someone accidentally mistakes your race then it's not them trying to intentionally hurt you. I don't understand changing the words. I mean how is that going to help? If people are offended they will still be offended no matter how you change it in some situations. EVERY PERSON has been discriminated against at some point in their life for one reason or another. It happens. It's crude and wrong, but I don't think only specific races, genders get discriminated against. Maybe some more than others, but it happens to every person. I'm not saying its something that should be taken lightly though.

I don't really give a crap about being politically correct. I will always say my beliefs and opinions (nicely, always nicely!) no matter what. None of my beliefs or opinions are anything that could be considered hurtful though. I just believe in treating others with respect and treating them the way you want to be treated.

I HATE the term "African-American." My ancestors came from Germany/Switzerland/ot her European countries. I'm not referred to as "german american" I'm white, some people are black. boo-hoo

Yeah, over here, you're more likely to get a smack for calling a black guy 'American' rather than black. I'm not particularly bothered by it all. For me, political correctness is great in concept, and is right for some of the harsher words, but otherwise I ignore it. I'd still say fireman to firefighter, and blind to anything else.

I always think it's important to be polite and courteous to people, but individual terms vary a lot and people will inevitably find things offensive that other people think are fine. The best I can do is try, be nice, and try not to offend! I like to be inclusive and clear as much as I can, but sometimes it will slip my mind, or I might run into a situation that I've never encountered before and have no idea how to deal with it.

I know some people of certain Ethnicities who like terms that aren't the norm. For example, African american who prefer to be called ''black'' and the other way around. It really doesn't matter because it's different.

I think it is important to be politically correct to a point. The problem ends up being that what is considered a PC term has changed so many times over the years that it gets confusing for older generations to keep up with what is 'acceptable' now. Also I think some people are overly sensitive about titles and which ones are ok in their opinion, and often get upset at people who aren't meaning to offend instead of just politely correcting them and letting it go. Though it is understandable when they get upset at terms that are obviously meant as derogatory.

while no one should walk on egg shells, often when i hear complaints about "political correctness" in the news at least, judging by the context, it means "I want to make an insulting, sweeping generalization about a group I'm not apart of and they won't let me! wahhhh!."