but PC-ness for the sake of PC-ness or coddling certain groups never sits well with me. Forced equality and respect aren't true equality and respect.
This I would disagree with. Everyone has their favorite anecdotes of PC gone too far, and undoubtedly it sometimes does, but overall I think "political correctness" has become a button word completely divorced from its original intention; it has no meaning anymore. The original idea, that language has power to shape ideas and attitudes, and that sometimes our everyday language is demeaning and hurtful to people who don't have the social power necessary to change it on their own, is sound. I'm not sure what you meant by "coddling certain groups", but it's a fact that smaller, marginalized groups of people are easily trampled over by the majority and deserve a certain degree of protection. That idea is not new to this country or our government: Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill talked about the "Tyranny of the Majority" in the 19th century, and the idea is much older than both of them.
It's true that "forced equality and respect aren't true equality and respect", but then the point, to me, is not (necessarily) to change the opinions of "un-PC" individuals, but to respect the rights of others to feel safe and comfortable in certain environments, such as their workplace. Easier said than done, I know, especially considering the over- and under-sensitivity of the small, but vocal, minorities on both sides; however, the idea is still sound.
I just wanted to clarify those points: not because I want to argue with you on your own journal, but because it's important for me to stand up for certain ideals. (Yes, I am a BLAST at parties!) ;)
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving as well! My cousin is hosting this year, and her husband is a fabulous cook. Yum!
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This I would disagree with. Everyone has their favorite anecdotes of PC gone too far, and undoubtedly it sometimes does, but overall I think "political correctness" has become a button word completely divorced from its original intention; it has no meaning anymore. The original idea, that language has power to shape ideas and attitudes, and that sometimes our everyday language is demeaning and hurtful to people who don't have the social power necessary to change it on their own, is sound. I'm not sure what you meant by "coddling certain groups", but it's a fact that smaller, marginalized groups of people are easily trampled over by the majority and deserve a certain degree of protection. That idea is not new to this country or our government: Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill talked about the "Tyranny of the Majority" in the 19th century, and the idea is much older than both of them.
It's true that "forced equality and respect aren't true equality and respect", but then the point, to me, is not (necessarily) to change the opinions of "un-PC" individuals, but to respect the rights of others to feel safe and comfortable in certain environments, such as their workplace. Easier said than done, I know, especially considering the over- and under-sensitivity of the small, but vocal, minorities on both sides; however, the idea is still sound.
I just wanted to clarify those points: not because I want to argue with you on your own journal, but because it's important for me to stand up for certain ideals. (Yes, I am a BLAST at parties!) ;)
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving as well! My cousin is hosting this year, and her husband is a fabulous cook. Yum!