To what extent is &quot;political correctness&quot; necessary?

OP

Often I think it's beneficial, then I think it's unnecessary. This is why I want to see what others think, to help me settle it a bit

Reply 6

Snagprophet

17

It depends what you call 'politically correct'. Being 'politically incorrect' offers a sense of being laid back. When it's done to castrate the culture in this country it's way wrong, but even at a basic level it's so condescending that I could not possibly agree to it.

There's rumours of things like 'brainstorm' being banned despite the fact that it is not typically well known to mock people with mental illness and say they're having a brainstorm. I mean, in that context, what makes it equate more to mental illness than a migraine or headache? What about typical depression, is that 'brainstorm' as well? Political correctness is not only condescending it's also hypocritical.

I think blackboard is another word that is supposedly 'politically incorrect' because of the word 'black'. I do hope it's all *******s, for everyone who follows political correctness to this extent because I still call it a blackboard.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4782856.stm

Stories like this tends to fuel the fire, but there are idiots all over the place and they shouldn't be allowed near our children.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 7

ckingalt

14

Laws and regulations are effective a preventing institutions from being discriminatory. Political correctness is a tool intended to prevent individuals from being discriminatory. The flaw is that political correctness diminishes discrimination but it does not diminish prejudice. In a politically correct society, people tend to hide or deny their prejudice, but they don't eradicate it. The most non-prejudicial group I have ever observed was within an elite military unit. They were obnoxiously politically incorrect. They acknowledged their cultural differences, they referred to each other with slurs, nothing was off limits, and they were committed to one another without condition. There is nothing I those guys won't do for one another. Political correctness is for people who will never truly care for one another, and that is what is wrong with it.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 8

OP

Original post by Snagprophet

It depends what you call 'politically correct'. Being 'politically incorrect' offers a sense of being laid back. When it's done to castrate the culture in this country it's way wrong, but even at a basic level it's so condescending that I could not possibly agree to it.

There's rumours of things like 'brainstorm' being banned despite the fact that it is not typically well known to mock people with mental illness and say they're having a brainstorm. I mean, in that context, what makes it equate more to mental illness than a migraine or headache? What about typical depression, is that 'brainstorm' as well? Political correctness is not only condescending it's also hypocritical.

I think blackboard is another word that is supposedly 'politically incorrect' because of the word 'black'. I do hope it's all *******s, for everyone who follows political correctness to this extent because I still call it a blackboard.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4782856.stm

Stories like this tends to fuel the fire, but there are idiots all over the place and they shouldn't be allowed near our children.

Yes, I noticed when brainstorm was then called mindmap or thoughtshower. I think that is rather ridiculous. I mean, the majority of people would not even link that to a mentally ill person. It's looking far to deep into it and, if anything, highlights minority groups and makes people more likely to then be aware about insults to them.

Same with blackboard and black sheep. There were rumours it was changed to "rainbow sheep", not sure if that is true or not though.

Reply 9

No Man

15

It is necessary to a certain extent, but it can be and often is excessive eg:
- when it benefits minorities over majorities, rather than making them on the same par (eg Islamofacists in Tower Hamlets and men not being allowed to defend themselves against assault from women)
- when it interferes with humour (to consequently fuel narcissism)
- when it interferes with things that aren't prejudice (eg baa baa rainbow sheep)).

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 10

The Socktor

18

Original post by No Man

- when it interferes with things that aren't prejudice (eg baa baa rainbow sheep)).

Just to note, the story that the government was banning that was fabricated by the Daily Star in 1987.

Reply 11

OP

BUMP

Reply 12

vendettax

Let's look at the most PC country in the world for guidance:

http://www.mrconservative.com/2013/09/24999-boy-expelled-from-school-for-playing-with-toy-gun-in-his-own-yard/

http://www.komonews.com/news/national/6-year-old-boy-suspended-for-kissing-a-girl-235230651.html

Reply 13

OP

Original post by vendettax

Let's look at the most PC country in the world for guidance:

http://www.mrconservative.com/2013/09/24999-boy-expelled-from-school-for-playing-with-toy-gun-in-his-own-yard/

http://www.komonews.com/news/national/6-year-old-boy-suspended-for-kissing-a-girl-235230651.html

Omg what the...? I used to play with toy guns as a child and kissed boys at school - hasn't made me turn out bad :tongue:

Reply 14

Greenlaner

11

Some people seem to have it in their heads that political correctness is synonymous with morality. And that is quite worrying to be honest.

Reply 15

OP