Political Correctness Essay

The term political correctness as it is known today was first coined in the United States by feminist groups and other left-wing movements. Defining political correctness can be challenging as it is a phrase that has roots dating back to its first usage in 1793 (citation). Since then it has evolved and changed to be defined as “the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against” (citation). Donald Trump, the president elect, has made the claim that political correctness has been one of the biggest inhibitors to change and progress in the United States of America. This is flawed. Political …show more content…
In fact, political correctness has opened the door to many conversations in holding people accountable for their micro-aggressions. Through the use of social media sensitivity hasn’t increased - access has. Before Facebook, it one could wear blackface to a Halloween party and no one would ever know. Many people now have access to hold their friends and family accountable when saying and do things that are offensive. While that may make some uncomfortable, political correctness has afforded marginalized groups the voice to express their concerns and that can be seen on college campuses around the nation. At Yale, black students clashed with a white professor over whether or not discouraging kids from wearing blackface on Halloween was a silencing tactic. In Missouri, student protestors advocated for the resignation of their university president as he had “allowed a racist campus culture to flourish” (West). Unfortunately, some protests have involved the use of violent language and action which many have used to discredit their efforts, down play systemic racism and portray protestors as completely ignorant of the first amendment right. While those actions are not applauded, framing student protestors as “political correctness gone mad” (West) allows for a hostile environment for everyone except the students who find no reason to …show more content…
The first is that people are too sensitive. Journalist Jarune Uwujaren stated in an article on Everyday Feminism “What people think they’re saying: ‘People are so self-important nowadays that they think the world has to cater to their sensitivities.’ ’What they’re actually saying: “It’s okay for the world to cater to the sensitivities of some people, but this group of people doesn’t count for some reason.’” The English language as we know it today was built by white men. It normalized heterosexuality, whiteness, maleness and ability (Uwujaren). This may be why many find it uncomfortable. There is a shift in language catering to marginalized people. While yes, it is impossible to provide a certain level of comfort for the entire world, avoiding use of rape jokes, and racist and sexist language should be comforts afforded to everyone. The second misunderstanding is that political correctness keeps people from being honest (Uwujaren). President elect Trump and surgeon Ben Carson have both used this argument to discredit political correctness. It is believed that political correctness has caused people to feel like they are walking on thin ice to avoid being called a bigot or a racist and that is stifling conversation. Everyone has prejudices, some more over that others, but the sooner those are called out, the sooner action can be taken to reflect and adjust attitudes and language to