We are so easily offended…

Sherry Holliman Community Commentary

In reality, trying to be politically correct today feels like walking through a minefield.

Who makes the decisions as to what is politically correct and who gave them their power to change the language? The language used by some public officials is constantly changing, and what was acceptable a few years ago may not be acceptable today. When communicating about groups of people, it can be difficult to know how to discuss different categories respectfully without stereotyping.

Most humans are conditioned to groupthink and this is why free thought has to be defended. Especially in politics, caution has to be considered about calling a Black person colored because this label is considered outdated and offensive to some. But why is this so? What is the correct identifier to use? As a person of color myself, even I find racial terms and political correctness a constantly moving target. It is offensive because it implies that a person’s color, or skin tone, is something that has been added to them.

People of all races don’t know what to say or what not to say to avoid being labeled a racist. How do we as a nation keep up with these terms? How do we discuss people with disabilities, autism, or the LGBT community without offending anyone? The term political correctness describes written or spoken language that is intentionally phrased to avoid offending or marginalizing groups identified by certain social characteristics, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.

See HOLLIMAN, page A6 HOLLIMAN

From page A4

The elimination of verbal discrimination is also considered one of the main goals of political correctness. Political correctness will remove terms such as “spokesman” or “spokeswoman,” to be replaced by the gender-neutral “spokesperson.” In addition, political correctness has expanded tosocial or political causes to promote religious holiday’s to be announced as Merry Christmas to Happy Holidays.

Political correctness has ignited controversy across America. It only replaces old discriminations with new discriminations. It allows certain topics, expressions, and some body language to be off-limits. Some people believe political correctness argues that our perception of other people is greatly influenced by the language we hear used about them. However, language when used carelessly or maliciously, can reveal and promote any individual biases against various identity groups.

Do you believe the strict use of politically correct language helps to prevent the marginalization and social exclusion of any group? A few people might agree and oppose that political correctness is a form of censorship that denies freedom of speech and dangerously restricts public debate on important social issues.

Society accuses advocates of political correctness of creating offensive language where none had existed before. Others argue that the very term political correctness can be used in ways that can actually reduce attempts to stop hate and discriminatory speech.

Most people naturally try to avoid using language that offends others, examples of politically correct terms tend to devalue the English language and lead to confusion. Those opposed to political correctness argue that telling people that it is socially wrong for them to express their feelings and beliefs in certain ways will not make those feelings and beliefs go away. Sexism, for example, will not end by simply referring to salesmen and saleswomen as salespersons. Similarly, referring to the homeless as temporarily displaced will not create jobs or wipe out poverty. While some people might swallow their politically incorrect words, they will not abandon the feelings that motivated them. In today's time most people will get offended by the smallest thing. They will hold those feelings inside to fester and become even more toxic and harmful. Most people will spend their time looking for reasons to be offended. They are actually hoping that they can find any reason to be offended. People will get offended by the way other people are dressed. What this person said. Someone used language that they didn’t like.

Someone doesn’t share the same beliefs that you share.

No matter how correct the language is intended to be used to prevent from offending individuals or groups, someone will get offended.

Political correctness is not always appreciated by everyone and can have serious and sometimes threatening social barriers that can lead to serious consequences.

Are you cautious about your use of political correctness?

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She previously served on the Marion City Council.