Quote:
Originally Posted by 911pcars
I've got a different take on the term.
Political correctness was initially a movement to bring dignity to the social order; to change previously used derogatory terms into more positive, socially acceptable terms. E.g. Fag/dyke > gay/lesbian; nigger > black, etc. I don't think anyone has a problem with that unless you have a problem with gays, lesbians or blacks. I suspect some do.
Political correctness has been criticized as a term used to mask negative behavior in a favorable light, to make a socially unacceptable act sound more socially acceptable; e.g. gangbanger > socially challenged. I'm sure we can compile two lengthy lists.
In one instance, it's using a term that's not offensive. In another instance, the politically correct term masks socially unacceptable behavior. Some groups confuse the two uses of the term and end up criticizing all examples of PC.
Some groups would rather drop all pretenses of political correctness and call a spade a spade (pun intended), never mind social etiquette. Some people need rules to mind their tongue. Others use their sensibilities.
IMHO, there's gotta be a middle ground. Those on the extreme ends may not agree.
Sherwood
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I couldn't agree more. Especially the part about, "Some groups would rather drop all pretenses of political correctness and call a spade a spade (pun intended), never mind social etiquette. Some people need rules to mind their tongue. Others use their sensibilities."
With Jeff and Sammy's comments it makes me wonder how far they feel this applies - "...If people cannot handle honesty or the brutal nature of truth, they are weak."
Does this apply to calling people derogatory names as outlined by Sherwood above? Is a person "weak" because they don't like being called these intentionally insulting terms? What does the use of those terms advance? Your knowledge that the person using them is an *********? Because the use of those terms isn't "honesty" or "truth" its just verbal brutality that advances nothing in my opinion....maybe hurt feelings, maybe a fight and maybe even injury or death in certain circumstances.
I guess I don't get the "ANY" intent to use a more sensitive term or expression is some giant indicator of a character flaw as many on this thread seem to support.