Is political correctness a useful concept,
or does it stifle honest discussion?
Honestly, I
think when we are constantly worrying about whether or not the things we say
are going to offend someone, it is almost impossible to be comfortable
ourselves and therefore, to be fully transparent with our thoughts. Personally, I think America (the society as a
whole) is WAY too sensitive and offended way too easily. I appreciate comedians because they generally
take themselves fairly lightly, and they are not afraid to make fun of
themselves or their cultures and backgrounds.
No one comes from a perfect family, and every one of us, no matter where
you come from or what your ancestry is, has positives and negatives as part of
their background. Why can’t we just
accept who we are as we are and love our backgrounds and families for what they
are instead of taking every little comment personally and ranting and railing
about it to the world, urging them to make it right? I am proud to say that I have a pretty
diverse group of friends (thanks to my times overseas and working on military
bases), and I love that they are not all the same or all from the same place. I love that they have different languages,
cultural traditions, beliefs, styles, and ways of thinking. I also love that they don’t get offended when
I do ask questions about them and their upbringing, and that they can laugh at
the silly things others say and do who don’t understand that we are all from
the same race, the human one. We don’t
all look alike, even if we are from the same tribe or geographical area, and we
don’t all think the same way or feel differently from anyone else. We are each unique individuals, and that’s
the best part, in my opinion.
When I was a
teenager, I remember being on a trip where I met people from another part of
the country (the same country of the United States of America, mind you), and
they were surprised that I was wearing shoes.
I asked why, and they told me, “I thought everyone from the South went
barefoot all the time.” I’ve had other
comments over the years, such as surprise that I talk so fast because people
from the Southern U.S. always talk slow, I suppose. J I
don’t get offended by these things because I think they are funny, but I do try
to be politically correct (until I get to know someone) because I don’t want to
hurt or offend anyone, but don’t ever worry about being politically correct
with me. If you cross a line, I’ll let
you know, but as long as you are speaking in love and even if it comes from
ignorance (not knowing any better), I will let you know with kindness and
compassion. Honesty is the best policy after all!
No comments:
Post a Comment