The Political Correctness Deluge: Has It Gone Too Far in the U.K. and the U.S.?

Political correctness has become a ubiquitous term in modern society, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. But is it a badge of honor or a sign of societal effeminacy? The debate is intense, with some viewing it as a modern-day tool for social harmony and others seeing it as an obstacle to genuine debate and personal growth.

Perceptions of Political Correctness

Popularity and Perception: The notion of political correctness (PC) is not universally popular. For many, it is seen as a set of overly stringent rules meant to dictate how we should speak and think. Critics argue that those advocating for PC are often seen as trying to dictate how the nation operates, leading to an environment where "snowflakes" [1] dominate. Conversely, proponents see it as a necessary step towards a more inclusive and respectful society.

A recent study highlights the divide: while some view it as a progress marker for social justice, others see it as a hindrance to free speech. The term 'PC' is often used dismissively, and many believe it can be turned into a crutch, rather than a guide for respectful communication.

Impact on Society

The Case for Political Correctness: The values of respect and politeness underlying political correctness should not be dismissed. Speaking and behaving in a polite and respectful manner are core components of any civil society. In the U.K. and U.S., where the norms of politeness are deeply ingrained, the push for greater inclusivity through language and behavior is understandable. However, this push can sometimes go too far, leading to a culture where even mild rebukes can be considered hate speech.

For instance, in many institutions, the language and behavior of individuals are closely monitored for any potential offense. This hyper-vigilance often results in people feeling like they are walking on eggshells, fearing to express their true thoughts or opinions. The result can be a stifling of genuine debate and a reluctance to engage in discussions that might upset someone.

Consequences of Excessively PC Attitudes

Real-World Impact: The rise of political correctness has had real-world consequences. The election of Donald J. Trump in the U.S. was in part a backlash against these attitudes. Trump’s campaign was characterized by its willingness to speak freely, often at the expense of politically correct norms. His supporters saw him as a voice for the common man, unburdened by the constraints of political correctness.

The success of Trump’s campaign [2] exposed the tension between political correctness and populist values. While Trump was caricatured as aса‘crude, rude and thoughtless’[3], his supporters argued that his courage to speak truth to power was refreshing in a country where political correctness often served as a shield for safe but ineffectual rhetoric.

Resourcing for a Balanced Approach

Balancing Act: The challenge is to find a balance between respect and freedom of expression. A report from Brookings suggests that societies need to foster environments where individuals feel safe to express themselves, while still being mindful of the impact of their words. This requires education, dialogue, and a culture that values nuance and open-mindedness.

Adopting a balanced approach does not mean rolling back progress towards inclusivity. Instead, it means recognizing that every group has its struggles and that true inclusivity involves both empathy and understanding. By acknowledging the validity of different perspectives, we can create a more harmonious society where everyone feels heard and respected.

Conclusion

Political correctness is a complex issue with no easy answers. While it has its proponents, its critics see it as a barrier to open and honest dialogue. It’s crucial that societies continue to engage in this ongoing debate, striving for a balance that respects individual freedom while maintaining social harmony.

Let's aim for a world where we can speak candidly and respectfully, where everyone’s voice is valued, and every individual feels empowered to contribute to the public discourse. Because in the end, the strength of any society lies not in its ability to avoid conflict, but in its willingness to address it with respect and understanding.

References:

[1] Washington Post, "The 'snowflake' slur: One man's career setback, another generation's slur," October 2019

[2] The Atlantic, "How Trump Won the 2016 Election," November 2016

[3] The New York Times, "A Conversation with Donald J. Trump," January 2017