Politics

Politics

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  • Catriona Ferrick
    Catriona Ferrick
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    Political correctness, a matter of courteousness or tyranny with manners?
    Definition (quoted): "Political correctness (also politically correct or PC) is a term used to describe language or behavior which is claimed to provide a minimum of offense, particularly to racial, cultural, or other identity groups. Particularly with the decline of the natural right tradition, a historically oppressed person or group's right to not be offended has emerged as an important value in a liberal democracy.
    In broader terms, political correctness refers to the implied or perceived expectation that it is improper to offend a minority or special interest group. In effect, political correctness marginalizes certain words, phrases, actions or attitudes through the instrumentation of public disesteem. Hence, it is a mild form of persecution that ultimately creates a tension between sensitivity and censorship."

    Does PC endanger freedom of speech? Or is it merely a sign of good will and education? To bring peace to debates and discussions? Or does it put a gag on certain discussions, does it alter topics into taboos?

    It has been repeatedly stated by numerous people that the most hazardous attempts at liberties are not the blunt and obvious ones, but the hideous from inside society. Does PC qualify as such?
    Common agreement has it that freedom of speech does not include the right to offend nor harass others. But how do we define either of that?
    Where do we draw the line? Does PC really possess the ability to change our attitude?

    Here are links to be considered for this discussion if you like:

    The infamous "Water buffalo incident": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_buffalo_incident
    The "N-Word case" (false claim): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niggardly
    Another page: http://www.identityindependence.com/politicalcorrectness.htm...

    PS: Should anyone need help with those links, feel free to drop me a line and I will do my best to assist.

    Have a good day,

    Catriona
    • 14 Feb 2007, 11:45 am
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  • Catriona Ferrick
    Catriona Ferrick
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    Re^2: Political correctness, a matter of courteousness or tyranny with manners?
    Hello Eberhard,

    while it's surely correct to consider the Water Buffalo incident a problem among some students and not a PC case, I decided to include that link nonetheless. Reason for this being that I consider it an example of how people will rapidly rally up to roll over someone. And in this case, not only because he offended someone (which evidently happened), but for an accusation which was presented before people took the time to think.
    Or so it appeared to me.
    My point here being, is this an example of how PC has already mutated people's attidudes? Have we become overcautious of racism and political incorrectness, that we go on a campaign frenzy if only someone shouts "Hey that's racism!"

    Slán agat and have a good day

    Catriona
    • 16 Feb 2007, 12:29 pm