Sometimes I find it very difficult, especially when discussing an issue like political correctness, to ignore my own opinions in order to consider the possible truth behind someone else’s. I have attempted to overcome this barrier, and in doing so, I have uncovered some very interesting viewpoints that somewhat contradict my previous bias . Before the research portion of this assignment, I believed that there were no positive aspects of political correctness whatsoever. Out of the multiple sources I have read at this point, most of them state that political correctness is restricting free speech and damaging society, but I have found two that have very different ideas which have provided me with a new perspective on this issue. The first of these sources is an online article that discusses the importance of political correctness from an educator’s point of view; while the second source, an article in Change Magazine written by a college student, discusses the true meaning and purpose of this ideology.
It seems that the issue of political correctness is very prevalent on college campuses nationwide, and many supporters of this ideology reside on these campuses as well. I have come to believe that the reason for this is not due to many of these students having political views from the left, but rather the environment in which they find themselves encourages this idea for a specific reason. Peter Smagorinsky, a professor of English education from the University of Georgia, seems to believe that political correctness is necessary to prevent the oppression of those whom we deem different from ourselves. If societal rules, such as political correctness, are needed to overcome the use of stereotypes and derogatory speech, then the importance of this ideology is obvious (Smagorinsky par. 6&9). After all, one of the many goals of an educational institution is to promote diversity, and this is impossible when people are using language that isolates others. Along with Smagorinsky, Laura Jensen, a college student, states that respect and basic human decency are the reasons for which political correctness must be utilized. Both of these individuals believe that being politically correct allows us to further our knowledge of language, and that it directly coincides with the natural evolution of language (Smagorinsky par. 12&16, Jensen par. 6&8). In her article in Change Magazine, Jensen states, “What was okay to say in 1815 changed by 1915, which has changed by 2015 (Jensen par. 4).” This statement simply means that our language is naturally modified over time based on what society considers acceptable. One major part of this modification process is definitely removing language that demoralizes and isolates certain people groups. For Instance, in my residence hall there is a sign with popular phrases posted upon it. Some of these phrases include, “That’s so gay,” and “He looks like a terrorist.” The purpose of this sign is to make us realize that when we say things like this, we are isolating an entire people group based on a single stereotype, and that needs to change. According to the individuals I have referenced above, this is the purpose of political correctness. Go listen to an Interview with Amanda Taub, who further addresses the importance of this issue in regards to safety ( http://www.wnyc.org/story/political-correctness-is-about-safety/ )
I can honestly say that these sources have helped me to understand some of the positive aspects of political correctness that I have never considered, or have refused to consider in the past. Although I do believe this ideology can, and has been abused, I now have insight on entirely different perspective than other sources have provided me.
It seems that the issue of political correctness is very prevalent on college campuses nationwide, and many supporters of this ideology reside on these campuses as well. I have come to believe that the reason for this is not due to many of these students having political views from the left, but rather the environment in which they find themselves encourages this idea for a specific reason. Peter Smagorinsky, a professor of English education from the University of Georgia, seems to believe that political correctness is necessary to prevent the oppression of those whom we deem different from ourselves. If societal rules, such as political correctness, are needed to overcome the use of stereotypes and derogatory speech, then the importance of this ideology is obvious (Smagorinsky par. 6&9). After all, one of the many goals of an educational institution is to promote diversity, and this is impossible when people are using language that isolates others. Along with Smagorinsky, Laura Jensen, a college student, states that respect and basic human decency are the reasons for which political correctness must be utilized. Both of these individuals believe that being politically correct allows us to further our knowledge of language, and that it directly coincides with the natural evolution of language (Smagorinsky par. 12&16, Jensen par. 6&8). In her article in Change Magazine, Jensen states, “What was okay to say in 1815 changed by 1915, which has changed by 2015 (Jensen par. 4).” This statement simply means that our language is naturally modified over time based on what society considers acceptable. One major part of this modification process is definitely removing language that demoralizes and isolates certain people groups. For Instance, in my residence hall there is a sign with popular phrases posted upon it. Some of these phrases include, “That’s so gay,” and “He looks like a terrorist.” The purpose of this sign is to make us realize that when we say things like this, we are isolating an entire people group based on a single stereotype, and that needs to change. According to the individuals I have referenced above, this is the purpose of political correctness. Go listen to an Interview with Amanda Taub, who further addresses the importance of this issue in regards to safety ( http://www.wnyc.org/story/political-correctness-is-about-safety/ )
I can honestly say that these sources have helped me to understand some of the positive aspects of political correctness that I have never considered, or have refused to consider in the past. Although I do believe this ideology can, and has been abused, I now have insight on entirely different perspective than other sources have provided me.
This video gives some brief examples of how the words we choose to use can hurt others.
Citations
Conteh, Rugiatu. Stereotype. Digital image. CAIR Philadelphia. N.p., 4 May
2011. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.
Guedalia, Yasmine. "Words Hurt, Think Before You Speak PSA." YouTube.
YouTube, 25 Apr. 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2015.
Jensen, Laura. "Political Correctness - Why It Matters." Change Magazine.
Change Magazine Inc., 7 Mar. 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
Smagorinsky, Peter. "To Be or Not to Be Politically Correct: What Was That
Question?" AJC.com. AJC, 21 July 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
2011. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.
Guedalia, Yasmine. "Words Hurt, Think Before You Speak PSA." YouTube.
YouTube, 25 Apr. 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2015.
Jensen, Laura. "Political Correctness - Why It Matters." Change Magazine.
Change Magazine Inc., 7 Mar. 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
Smagorinsky, Peter. "To Be or Not to Be Politically Correct: What Was That
Question?" AJC.com. AJC, 21 July 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.