Sick of the Political Correctness Movement
78It seems to me this whole country has gotten into a defensive mode about the spoken word. By this I mean, it seems everyone takes certain words to heart, words that used to be commonly understood by everybody, and have now somehow become off-color. I don't know who started it, or when or how it started, but I feel there has been some kind of movement in this country to become politically correct when speaking. It is ridiculous!
I personally hate the fact that this country has become so anal and obsessed with a fear of hurting someone's feelings that free speech is becoming greatly oppressed. Many words and meanings have become so altered that people have become hyper-vigilant not only about what they say, but how they say it and to whom.
Since when is it wrong or offensive to say you have a partner or significant other rather than a husband or wife? Why is it offensive to say someone is gay or straight? Why is it offensive to say black American rather than African American? Who decided that the words Merry Christmas, God, or the Pledge of Allegiance are so offensive? Is it because of the influx of foreigners to our country? Are we so afraid of offending another culture and not adopting their words for the same kinds of things that we kowtow to everyone? When did our country lose its backbone? When and why did the way we speak become lost? When and why has everyone become so hypersensitive?
George Carlin on Politically Incorrect
Pay Attention to the Makeup of Your Audience
Many times, people do not take into consideration the type of audience they are addressing. Certainly, we know when speaking to children, we need to speak in a way they can understand. Likewise, the same is true when speaking to adults. Misinterpretation comes in when children don't fully understand the meaning of what was said, and process it at their level of maturity. Misinterpretation by adults, I feel, is because their perception of what was said is skewed by their own ideas, thought processes and life experiences. I may say to you, wow, where did you get that dress meaning I like it, and you could then misinterpret my use of the word wow as meaning ugh, where did you get that dress?
Consequences of the Mispoken Word
Today, one can't say to someone your child is a brat. He or she might be sued for slander. Parents won't and don't correct their children out of fear of their own children, a fear that their children will report them to the authorities as being abusive, or that the children will take it a step further and petition a court to divorce themselves from their parents. A teacher can't correct a child verbally for fear of being labeled biased or racist. Where and when does it end?
Overused
There are also many words that have become so commonplace as to become overused, for instance, husband and wife. When a woman refers to her husband as her partner in a conversation with others, the woman will glance at the group, interpret the stares and think, oh, maybe she should have said husband. The woman speaking has just perceived that the group has no clue what she just meant. Just because she used the term partner, it threw everyone off since the word partner is not commonly used when speaking of a wife or husband. This doesn't make the word partner wrong. It is because the public has become so used to commonly used words in certain contexts.
In the matter of relationships, sometimes there has to be a clarification made for the words boyfriend or girlfriend. Those words imply a couple, usually romantically involved, whereas if a boy or girl is just a friend, it would then be proper to say I have a male friend or female friend. So, there are times when it is necessary to use certain commonly used words.
Options and Individual Choice
If our language should become broader in its scope, fine. Go ahead and Google alternative words, and learn them. Incorporate them into your own vocabulary. That doesn't have to mean if someone dislikes a not so common description or word, that the whole population needs to adopt the more widely used word or description. Just remember, what works for some doesn't necessarily work for others. Our world is made up of individuals of all kinds. Everyone is unique. It is this very diversity that makes up the fabric of our world. Why should anyone want to become a cookie cutter version of someone else, either in the ways they dress, worship or speak?
Finally
Our language is what it is. My own opinion is that anyone can use whatever word, term or description they like. To take offense at a different word or expression used in an everyday conversation, as opposed to a more commonly used word or expression is a bit of an over-reaction. However, if it's said in a confrontational way, then one could quite innocently feel it was politically incorrect. I think, though, in a confrontational situation, the reaction would be caused more from the accusatory tone of voice and therefore, misconstrued as a slight or offense.
In summation, I'd like to say that while so many people have become so sensitive to less than commonly used words, and attach, in their own mind, the word offensive to whatever was said, that there are times and situations where words can and do hurt. It is when someone deliberately tells a child that they are stupid, and says it daily. It is when one tells a person who has just lost a loved one, you're better off because he or she was a jerk, get over it. It is also when a whole host of other intentionally meant words or phrases are used that not only wounds the heart, but kills the soul and spirit of a fellow human being. It is when words are used with malice. For that, there is no excuse, and those people who do that should rot in hell.
When will the world get over itself?
Mo'Nique on Name Calling
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Hi Trish, very good! When a person speaks, the intent should always be measured as the conversation takes place. Obviously, words are related to the way we were raised, where we were raised, and what our education and living has added to all of that. Often, no offense is meant, but much offense is taken, with knee jerk reactions.
I'm thinking all of us need to get a grip on our attitudes and feelings, and let language be what is is meant to be....communication. We can always ask questions before we assume meanings. and should.
thank you for bringing it up, thumbs up!!
I once told a student to shut up. He was a bratty fifth grade punk that thought he could do whatever he wanted and after asking him a dozen times to be quiet while we were on the bus (on our way to a field trip) I turned around and said, “Robbie, shut up!” Robbie got the message and stopped yelling on the bus. I was a young teacher and probably shouldn’t have said it, but I did.
That afternoon I received a phone call from Robbie’s father. He was upset and wanted to know where I got off telling his child to shut up. He continued to inform me in no uncertain terms how he has never told his children to shut up and he had NEVER told any of the kids on his soccer team to “shut up” either.
I calmly explained the situation to this very irate father and when our conversation concluded, he became one of my staunchest supporters. Robbie’s behavior turned around almost immediately and his grades soared. He went from a snot-nosed brat to one of my star students.
I was so excited about the fact that Robbie’s dad was now in my corner and working with me instead of against me, which had been the case with his previous teacher, that I went to my principal to tell her the good news. Her pathetic “PC” response was, “Well, if he had called me I would not have supported you on that.” I left the school as soon as the year was over. I did not wish to work for someone who didn’t have my back.
Hi allshookup,
I think what sometimes happens is that the person who feels offended may have a lot on their mind. They may have had a very bad day, or a handful of bad experiences on any given day, so that by the time you say something to them, they really may not have heard what you said or even realized what you meant. I'm not defending this politically correct trend. I'm just saying that I suppose there can be circumstances when a person might feel offended. Again, I think a lot has to do with the way a message or communication is delivered. It is when in ordinary conversational situations that the idea that one has to be politically correct in their speech that annoys me. Am I offended by this movement? No, just simply tired of it, and tired of those who feel one has to watch their choice of words.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Hi Marisue,
I agree we should take into consideration our own intentions and attitudes. It certainly is not a good idea to inject malice into a conversation just to make what we think is a point. Granted, everyone at some time or other misspeaks, I have done it myself. I have learned that I need to let a person rant and rave and just listen. When the person is done, I will ask questions and/or offer my thoughts on the situation. It is by no means an easy thing to do, as you mention with the knee-jerk reaction. It is, however, by far the best way for me. I allow the person to get whatever it is out of their system, and quite often, the result is a calmness and a bit of understanding for both parties.
Thanks so much for offering your comments. It's always nice to see you here.
Welcome, Audacious,
That's a great story. I applaud you for standing your ground and leaving that school. I'm also pleased that the boy's father allowed himself to hear and understand your point of view. Sometimes people are so locked into their thinking, such as that principal, that they can't see the forest for the trees. Just because someone handles a situation the same way over and over again doesn't make it right. It is for those people I wish that a light bulb would go off for them, where they can step back and say to themselves, wow, that man was right. I need to adjust my thinking. However, I guess that would be in a perfect world :)
Thumbs up to you! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience.
Although I don't subscribe to any conspiracy theory (for the record), I can see how the PC movement could have been initiated by the same people who laid the groundwork for the current events *Crisis on Wall Street* and *Destination Middle East*.
Politically correct speech, imposed through guilt (as you beautifully describe, Trish) silences speech, kills conversation, makes argument meaningless and dissent impossible, and instills fear.
If I did subscribe to a conspiracy theory, I'd have to say they've got us right where they want us.
Thumbs up, my friend.
hi Sally,
Your comments bring to mind the commercial where a bunch of indignant people shout 'we're not gonna take it anymore'. When is enough, enough? Also, somehow, the title of the movie Silence of the Lambs seems to me what this country is becoming, lambs being led to the slaughter. Ok, maybe this thought is a bit extreme, however, it's the feeling I get every time someone in the news or on the radio rails about how we need to be politically correct. BS I say!
Great Hub! As a newbie here, I appreciated both your writing style and what you had to say. I used to feel like I needed to keep a list with me at all times of what I could and couldn't say, so as not to offend anyone. Yet I quickly realized that I am intelligent enough to communicate (as I always have) without having various groups dictating the words that I use. I'm happy to report, so far so good. There is a lot of benefit to not following the herd.
I also don't like the political corectness movement. You have to be able to call a duck a duck. It causes too many people to be afraid to do something.
There was a fight brewing on the light rail train I ride home from work (public transportation can be so lame). People just sat by and let it happen. I got on my phone and called 911 and called the train operator. The thing is, people were asking me why I interferred. I was told to just let everyone do their own thing. I was appalled. I think that indifference is a side effect of the political correctness movement. People simply become indifferent to everything - not their problem.
Also, people lose personal responsibility. If I call someone poor, they tell me they are disadvantaged. I say they are still poor. They say they aren't being served by the government. UHm - since when is it the role of government to serve you by bringing you out of poverty?
This whole political correctness movement is absurd. Let's call a duck a duck, and let it go.
Welcome BizzyMuse,
Thank you very much for the compliment. I've never had to go so far as to keep a list, but it has been tempting. I guess this falls into the category of followers and leaders. It just seems that lately the scales have become unbalanced.
But I'm with you, if I feel something needs to be said, as long as it's not mean, I'm going to say it. I can't be responsible for how someone interprets what I've said.
Thanks so much for stopping by, I look forward to your hubs.
Hi nwunderlich,
You're right. I believe this whole nation has become apathetic, and in a way I can't say I blame them. All you have to do is listen to or watch the news.
We as a people are supposed to work hard and strive for things we want and need, not so the government. The government no longer serves or protects the people who put them in office. They are too busy creating loopholes so they can fatten their pockets, and to hell with the taxpayers. Once they've left office, they'll be living off the money they stole from the taxpayers. The majority of them have become sef-serving and narcissistic. Then you have people complaining about how corrupt the government is, then they wail about who put these people in office, well guess what? If you don't stand up and vote, the same ole corrupt politicians will win another term. If you want to hear what's going on here in NJ, just tune in to nj1015.com from 6 to 10 am EST. Four hours of listening to that and you'll get just a taste of what's going on all over this country.
There have been many cases where someone was being attacked, robbed or killed, and the public just stood by and watched. Nobody wants to get involved. But God forbid someone attacks their own and you watch what happens.
If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it's a duck.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
Hi Trish: I too am tired of all the PC stuff. It's ridiculous. I used to try to accomidate everyone's "special needs" until I finally reached my threshold. No more. I'm always respectful and never hurtful (unless by accident) and that is good enough. Thanks for a great read. Well done.
Hi Christoph! So nice to see you!
I tend to be a people pleaser. Almost always, whether in a discussion, meeting, wherever, I edit my thoughts and try to speak in a way that's not hurtful. This even includes the way I deal with friends or family that come to me with issues. First, I listen. When they are done, I then carefully weigh my words and while still getting my point or opinion out there, I do it in such a way that hopefully doesn't encourage more raised voices and people talking over each other. Sometimes I'm successful, other times, not so much.
I will admit there have been times where I have said awful, hurtful things. (I haven't always been a good little girl). My threshold, however, is very high, so it takes a lot to get me fired up. Did those times solve anything? Did I make an honest assessment of the situation? Of course not. Sometimes, and I believe we have all been there, one does get so angry that it doesn't matter what is said or how it's said. I guess it's human nature.
So, like you, I am, I believe, kind and respectful in my comments here on HP. There have been many times I've read something that gets my blood boiling and I've had to restrain myself from responding lol. Especially in the forums. Whether you noticed or not, I rarely comment there. When I read the controversial ones it's all I can do to keep my mouth shut! But shut it stays, but I do reserve my right to say something when all control is lost.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comments.
I don't know about political correctness, Trish, but I do know that what really counts is what's in your heart. No one should be offended when no offense is intended. Sometimes, however, people are under stress. I'm reminded of the time at my newspaper when an very angry reader telephoned to complain about something that appeared in the paper. I listened to her rant and rave and call the paper every name in the book for some 10 minutes. I said very little in response. Finally, the woman thanked me profusely for listening to her comlaint. Someone suggested I should have charged a fee for psychological session. We don't always have to buy in to other people's psychological rants.
Political correctness can be taken too far at times. Many times people have a misunderstanding and hopefully these can be overcome when the listener stops to ask the speaker what he/she really meant as opposed to jumping to a conclusion. One word I do see overused these days on the Internet is "ignorant," and it is beginning to come across as if people are using this word to be PC. For instance, someone can tell their opposition they are "ignorant" and come across as being informed about a certain issue, but this may not always be the case. I am not overly politically correct in my speech, but I really try to avoid using the word ignorant because a. it is highly overused. b. slightly negative c. other words better convey the same meaning. I actually have contemplated writing a hub about the overuse of the word ingorant, so I might do that in the future. Thanks for the interesting hub.
Hi William,
I agree with you that one shouldn't be offended when no offense was intended. You were very wise to listen to that woman rant. I can admit I've called certain service providers yelling and ranting about the poor service I received, and once I let it all out, I was then able to say I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to take it out on you, and more often than not, the call ended nicely. Sometimes we reach the end of our rope, especially when you experience a day where nothing went right so the very last thing that goes wrong generally gets the brunt of your frustration.
When I worked for our Motor Vehicle agency many years ago, it didn't have a good reputation as far as customer relations. It was commonly said that the employees took nasty pills. Once I became an employee, I was able to see why they tended to be nasty. Dealing with paperwork connected to your vehicle can be quite tricky, and certain forms are required, something the general public doesn't understand. So, when you had to say, I'm sorry but you need to come back with such and such, well, let me tell you, they became loud and nasty. Of course, the end result was both employee and customer were engaged in shouting matches. I am happy to report that is no longer the case. Major changes were made and it is no longer a place to dread going to. I learned quickly to let the customer have their say, in whatever fashion, and I would then gently say I'm sorry, but these are the rules. Some left still angry, others just left resigned to get the task done.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
Hi Sweetie,
You're right when you say sometimes it's taken a bit too far. Certainly, jumping to conclusions is not the way to go. I do think we use certain words all the time and don't take the time to consider that yes, there certainly is a better choice than the one we're most comfortable with. For instance, the word ignorant can be stated as uninformed or unaware. I also think that sometimes we're in such a hurry to get things said that we simply don't take the time to weigh our choice of wording.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting :)
I agree with a ton of this. The Carlin video is dead on too. People are weak minded and can't deal with truth so they hide from it behind words that mean nothing. Language is supposed to be a form of communication, of conveying ideas. In America it has become a way of avoiding them. This has been a real sore spot with me for a long time. Censorship is horrific, whether it's being perpetrated by the fascist right or the hyper-liberal left.
Hi Shades,
Isn't it crazy? It no longer is the case, apparently, (to use an old phrase), to tell it like it is. I simply don't understand why words that have been said for thousands of years have all of a sudden, seemingly, become rude, hurtful, or now, politically incorrect. It's ridiculous! And wouldn't this be a hoot, imagine in ten years or so that instead of going off to war, people just picked up a phone and said it like it is? lol The winner would be the one who said the most politically incorrect things.
It's too bad there weren't more Carlins in the world. He said what he meant, and meant what he said. Can you imagine censorship going so far that all that will be left to say is hello how are you and goodbye, nice to have seen you. Geeze! Sugar-coating everything is not the way to go, at all.
Here's to communicating! thanks so much for stopping by and your comments.
I always like to point out the little sing-song saying we had when we were children in kindergarten: "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me."
I think it's funny that six year old children are more resillient than grown ups, incapable of enduring the blast of a sound wave.
And I could find offense in even your "hello, how are you, nice to have seen you," thing if I wanted to. Using modern hyper-sensitive practices, I'd just point out that I don't like the fact that you "have seen" me. What am I, a piece of meat for you to gawk at like some object? Or did you just "see" me because you didn't care enough about me to go any deeper than just a cursory visual assessment. Frankly, I don't really like your attitude at all.
... see. People are stupid and deserve the misery they bring on themselves.
Hmmm, Shades. I understand what you're saying. I suppose for the hyper-sensitive people out there that so-called harmful intent can be read into the most innocent of words. I can see where goodbye could be interpreted as oh? you're glad to see me go? Is that why your bye is good?
Well, I'm just glad there are still people out there who know how ridiculous it all is. I too remember sticks and stones. Perhaps that's a lost saying. On the other hand, if I may play devil's advocate for a moment, words that are said to intentionally to cause mental pain cannot be unsaid. Such as, I hate you. I wish you were dead. Words are powerful and can inflict mental anguish. It is when in the course of everyday conversations that people misinterpret what's been said, put their own definition on what they think they heard, is where the problem lies, I believe. So in that sense, your comment that people are stupid and bring on their own misery is absolutely correct.
Thanks for commenting, always nice to have you stop by :)
Hi, Trish! Great hub! Most people are tired of political correctness. As to the origin of this cultural mess, I'll have to get back to you on that one - or write a hub to answer yours - like some friends and I did when one poet posted a questioning poem, then others were written and posted to answer. Sort of riffing off each other which is a fun activity, exploring all the angles.
As to how this political correctness snowballed - one word: lawyers. America is only the most lawsuit happy nation in the world.
Hi Denny,
Sounds like a great research project :)
That's often how hubs get created, by requests, or a hub or comment inspires your thought process. There have been a few times when I started leaving a comment, I found my writing was getting rather lengthy, and so I stopped and said, hey, I can write my own hub about this.
Lawyers is a good guess, I wouldn't have considered that.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I am sorry to say it is going exactly the same way in the UK. We are also starting to become litiginous, and now have lawyers performing no-win no-fee pursuits of accidents, even of doctors and hospitals after they make mistakes, and we are talking big money for even relatively small cases.
Hi Ken,
I'm sorry to hear that. As Denny noted above, her belief is that lawyers are the cause of it snowballing. With the economy in such a sad state of affairs, it doesn't surprise me that people are looking for ways to 'beat the system', and pursue frivolous lawsuits hinged on some perceived slight, some chance word that 'offended their sensibilities', and the ever-greedy lawyers ready to take the case on. Sadly, a lot of times they win, which speaks volumes about the kinds of judges we have running our courtrooms!
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
Amen to much of what you have said. People are very touchy now a days, and have very thin skin.
hi muley,
Thank you. I agree, somewhere along the way people have lost the ability to think for themselves. Between the schools and government and media, all dictating or espousing that we should be 'politically correct' in our choice of words in everyday conversations, it's no wonder. We have begun to edit our own thought processes for fear of 'offending' someone or some place.
Technology has made millions upon millions of people lazy. Too lazy to go to the store, too lazy to go to a library, too lazy to cook, too lazy to take out a piece of paper and sit down with a pen and write, and, too lazy to think. Gone is the spontaniety, the 'shooting from the hip' so to speak. I think I'd even go so far as to say we've been brainwashed, and if not totally, we're certainly getting there. It is mind boggling, the list just goes on and on.
Yet, in a warped way, who can blame them? So much time is saved by instant everything. What I'd like to know is, what is being done with all the time saved? Anything productive? Who's to say?
Thanks for the visit, nice to have you here and commenting.
muley, btw, thank you for becoming my fan :)
Trish, you are welcome, you are a good writer and a fun read. I work lots of hours to make it here in S. FL , and my free time is spent writing, I am on three other sites besides here(blogit, my site, and qassia.com as muley12) so I don't have lots of time to read others. All of my posts sooner or later make their way to hubpages except some of my spiritual ones. they don't semm to be well received on this site. To the fundamentalists I am a bit of a whack. To get some insight as to how I learned spirituality you can check out "Kreskin's ESP kit" pt 1 and then pts 2 &3. Also I am proud of "Condensing Infinity". If the spiritual ones ever take off, I will post many others. Mike
hi muley,
Thank you so much for the compliment.
I hear you about the hours. I was working two jobs for the last four years, which has since ended as of last August. My day started at 4 am and didn't end till around 10 pm. I worked six days a week. Looking back, I marvel at how I managed at all. I do miss the money, but the time I've gained is worth the money I lost. Do I struggle? Of course, most of us do.
It's been my observation that anything spiritual on here is a literal hotbed. I will have to check out the things you've mentioned.
Thanks for visiting :)
Yuk...PC Talk is all sterile and grey...When did we become a society that has to watch every little word we say...for fear of retribution. It is impossible...even politicians with all their speech writers and planned dialogue can't do it...there is no way for a human to robotically respond to everything with a PC answer. And then...some groups of people continue to use whatever words they want? Doesn't make sense...Thanks for your hub!
hi manlypoetryman,
I am still puzzled as to when and how it happened. My guess is that some person said something, someone said, hey, I don't like how you said that, and then others thought, oh! good idea! I never considered voicing my opinion in that way. Then it spread like wildfire. All I know is, I wish it would stop. As I've stated above, when something is intentionally said with malice, in my opinion, that's wrong. But when using everyday speech people are finding reasons to be 'offended'? I think that's a bit extreme.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
i so you on this. everyone is acting kinda childish...lol...thanks for the post...real food for thought.
hi acebino,
I'm glad to know others are thinking like I do about this topic. There's a saying from AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) that goes, say what you mean, mean what you say, but don't say it mean. I quite agree :)
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Way to go, Trish!!!!!
All the best,
Daniel Simone
Hi Daniel,
Thanks very much. I'm glad you liked it and thanks for commenting :)
the correcting can get extreme - it's like George Orwell's Newspeak in 1984, where if there are less words you can use there is less thinking and therefore less dissent doubleplusgood Hub.
Hi arthur,
Maybe that is the problem. People think too much. The problem is, how does one not think or learn how not to think too deeply?
I've been told at times that I think too much, which reminds me of the times I tried to sit and empty my brain of all thoughts. I can tell you it wasn't successful.
The problem I see with using less words is that it leaves a lot open to interpretation which is where I think reading into things said leads to dissent.
Thanks for the compliment and stopping by and commenting.
It's down to people believing what they are told and being afraid to counter-argue - it takes things getting to extremes like we see in Libya just now before people shake off their apathy and object - it needs to happen sooner, before it becomes necessary to resort to such extreme violence to be able to safely say no to what the pwers that be have to offer.
hi arthur,
Your first sentence says it all. And it's very sad that so many people have become so apathetic and that it takes a major crisis for anyone to start reacting. Usually by then it's too late. I fear there will never be world peace, not in our lifetime. And if you believe the end of the world is coming, it won't much matter.
Thanks for stopping back and sharing your thoughts.
Excellent hub, trish1048!
Hi bethperry,
Thanks so much, glad you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment :)
I think I'll just do what I have been doing all my life..Do what i want, when I want, with what ever i want, say what i want, etc...If someone don't like it too damn bad. If ya don't like it , don't do it, just don't try an' take it away from me.... My life my way and if I want to live it excessisively I will, and if I want to pledge allegaince "with under god" i will, etc
So merry fucking CHRISTMAS, and blow me
allshookup 3 years ago
Good hub. And I agree about the hating political correctness part. I hate political correctness. I am not politically correct and never will be. It irkes me that I say something that is innocent then get attacked for it. Good job.