Has Political Correctness Reached Absurdity
Political Correctness over the top
Most of us grew up learning the correct language to use in various situations: It wasn’t nice to call someone stupid, use racial slurs, make fun of the disabled, use profanity, etc. Although not everyone practiced this code of politeness, most of us did. When we wanted to discuss various subjects, there existed a cache of euphemisms at our disposal. In recent years, a plethora of euphemisms popped up to avoid offending various groups. While some of these words are valid adjustments, others fall into the category of absurdity.
Defining political correctness
Political correctness (PC) refers to language that avoids offending persons of various genders, races, sexual orientations, cultures, or social conditions. One of the most commonly stated goals of political correctness is the elimination of verbal discrimination and negative stereotyping. This includes written or spoken language used to describe race, sexual orientation, gender and ability.
Welcome Changes
It makes sense that some changes in our language are welcome. We no longer use terms like mailman, fireman, or policeman. Many women hold positions in those fields, so mail-person, firefighter, police officers are the acceptable vernacular.
Politically correct terms that might make you laugh
In Australia, Santa Claus is no longer allowed to say Ho Ho Ho because it might scare children, and it’s derogatory towards women.
The UK has a list of 100 politically correct words and phrases. As I read over the list, I found some of them so ridiculous I thought this must be a joke. But they’re on the list with the sensible changes.
Fat — Metabolic overachiever
Patriot — Troublemaker, pest, nuisance, agitator
In today’s world, it means one who loves and supports his or her country. It has been challenged throughout the centuries. But, you’ve got to be kidding.
Shoplifting — Irregular shopping
We wouldn’t want to insult the shoplifters.
Smelly — Nasally disturbing
You’re darn right!
Bribe — Public service bonus
I guess that’s like a donation.
Homeless — Outdoor urban dweller
Well, okay, their home is outdoors.
Hunger — Food insecure
Hey Mom, what’s for dinner? I’m food insecure.
Murder — Unauthorized termination of life
Let’s be succinct and call it murder.
Blackboard — Chalkboard
This is an interesting one. When I grew up during the 50s and 60s, the chalkboards were black. At some point, they became green. In the U.S., we no longer have blackboards, green boards, or chalkboards. Schools use whiteboards now and write on them with markers. Will someone challenge that and call it white privilege?
The UK doesn’t get all the credit for political correctness
Mount Holyoke College had put on an annual production of The Vagina Monologues as part of its V-Day event each year. The production was supposed to raise awareness about violence against women and raise money for organizations that seek to curb it. PC Culture board felt the play shouldn’t be produced because it isn’t inclusive of transgender students and would be offensive to students who identify as women but don’t have a vagina.
While we’re on the subject of humor
In 1991 President H. W. Bush addressed the University of Michigan's graduating class: “The notion of political correctness has ignited controversy across the land. And although the movement arises from the laudable desire to sweep away the debris of racism and sexism and hatred, it replaces old prejudice with new ones. It declares certain topics off-limits, certain expression off-limits, and even certain gestures off-limits.”
Many years ago, during President George Bush Senior’s reign, he left the UK in his limousine, flashing the peace sign by making the letter V with two fingers. Although a friendly gesture by U.S. standards, in the UK it means fuck you.
I leave you with this
I wrote this in fun. Language is forever evolving, and it will continue to do so. In the past, it evolved naturally. Over 500 years ago, The Great Vowel Shift occurred. Nobody knows why, but had it not shifted, we would all be speaking like Chaucer in the English-speaking world. My name, Reeves, was spelled Ryves, at one time in history.
Today’s politically correct terms are nothing more than euphemisms. In time, those words will be replaced by new euphemisms.
In the meantime, keep your sense of humor, or life will kill you. I hope at least some of the British citizens found President Bush’s gesture funny.
About the Creator
Brenda Reeves
I'm a writer, visual artist, animal lover and free spirit. Minimalism is my motto. I recently sold my car and live with the bare necessities of life. It's the only way to be truly free in this world of chaos.
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