Political correctness - it's doing my head in!

I don't know who invented the phrase 'political correctness' but I am sure the way the term is used these days is not as originally intended. A little story I have is from when I worked for a council. Yes, councils do generally apply the political correctness a bit too far. One day, I walked into work and the boss asked to speak to me. I was the person who designed many of the information brochures that the department used to send to people. I was working on a brochure, but I had to recheck all the wording because of 'new political-correctness'. It was now not permitted to use a phrase such as 'visually impaired person'. These ...  Read the complete review

'Political Correctness' is probably the most misused term in the English language. It has become a stick for the right wing press and public to beat liberals and minorities with. Everytime I hear the phrase "Political Correctness gone mad!" I know that if the true facts were reported it would really be about an over zealous twit trying to bully someone into doing it their way, somebody trying to stir up racial hatred or a second rate journalist trying to make news rather than report it. When you hear that phrase, beware! Ask yourself who has got the most to gain either financially or in the muckraking stakes. Use your discernment. ...  Read the complete review

I find that a lot of people find an excuse in "political correctness went mad" to vent their anger at immigrants, other race, government, anyone who thinks differently than them. Actually I vote for politeness. I vote against stupidity. Many events which were in media represented as "political correctness went mad" were simply stupid acts of some clerks afraid for their own position. On the other hand these examples were later used by others to have a go at minorities of all kinds. In order to reduce number of both phenomenons we have to have better home upbringing and better education. Probably a lot of philosophers gave their judgment on ...  Read the complete review

A lot of rubbish is spoken about political correctness taking over our lives. Many myths are perpetuated about political correctness usually by right wing commentators and media to discredit progressive cultural change in a modern society. Words matter, language is a powerful tool that can be used to provoke, cajole, persuade, praise or insult. The power of language and words should not be underestimated and indeed some believe that the words people use not only reflect but shape their idea and attitudes. Political correctness when applied to language has the function of making language inclusive or neutral ensure that minimal offense to racial, cultural, or ...  Read the complete review

Political correctness is perhaps one of the most fiercely debated topics of our time, particularly by the press and although being a misunderstood topic often polarises debates. Firstly the term means different things to different people, to the proponents of political correctness it exemplifies courteous and responsible behaviour for all people in positions of authority. This tends to be, although not exclusively a position for the political left. For the political right, political correctness is often a dirty word and shows a limit on free speech. The term is commonly known to be abused by the far right as a guise to hide behind racist views. Usually minorities, or ...  Read the complete review