Political Correctness

The previous post "Profound words at the National Prayer Breakfast" addressed and highlighted the comments of Br. Benjamin Carson.  His words still echo in my mind.

Dr. Carson was eloquent, direct, respectful, and (without a doubt) profound.  Of the many topics he touched upon, I keep coming back to his words on Political Correctness (PC).  

"But PC is dangerous. Because, you see, [in] this country one of the founding principles was freedom of thought and freedom of expression. And it muffles people. It puts a muzzle on them. And at the same time, keeps people from discussing important issues while the fabric of this society is being changed. And we cannot fall for that trick. And what we need to do is start talking about things, talking about things that are important." 

PC is indeed dangerous.  Agreeing with Dr. Carson, when we fear opening our mouths to voice concerns about important matters, it is telling.  It is telling in that the pendulum has swung way too far in one direction.  Surely, we don't want a nation in which invective and hateful language is thrown about carelessly and without regard.  But equally surely, we need a nation in which difficult, challenging topics and issues can be openly discussed without fear of persecution, without fear of being labeled (in any way), without fear - period.  Alas, that does not seem to be the case.

Whether the "right" or "left," conservative or liberal, "mainstream media" or talk shows, editorials or blog posts, we have sunk to abysmal lows in our national and local dialogues.  Challenge views on gay marriage and one is labeled a homophobic.  Raise a concern about one topic and one is labeled a racist.  Question policy and one is labeled as anti-(fill in the blank).  The labeling is incessant, as every side in an issue shouts at those who display the temerity to disagree.  Consequently, voices are drowned out by the so-called PC Police.  Ideas and matters are not discussed.  One personal memory is quite vivid in this area.

While working at a major public university, my small staff and I sent a group photo under the words "Merry Christmas" to the offices with which we most regularly worked across the campus.  One self-appointed "PC Policewoman" raised a hell of an lot of consternation, taking it upon herself to declare that doing so violated the Constitution's separation of church and state.  (By the way, no where in the Constitution does it state that Christians can't wish people a Merry Christmas.)  Ironically, university academia demands, in no uncertain terms, the "right" to express whatever they want in the name of academic freedom.  But woe be to the member of the university staff who has the temerity to wish someone Merry Christmas.  While this anecdote doesn't rise to the level of critical topics and important matters that need to be discussed in our nation, it nonetheless illustrates that there are those who take it upon themselves to dampen expression of free speech in our great nation.

One might inquire how I can make this posting and be positive in tone and content?

Quite simply.  Dr. Carson's comments are uplifting.  Simple, straight to the point, and on target.

Folks, let's start talking about what is important, without fear of some self-appointed PC Policeman trying to shout us down.  If we keep speaking, eventually the matters will come to the surface and honest dialogue will follow.  I don't care how many elected officials attempt to manipulate words to suit their political leanings.  Nor do I care about those who would attempt to smear those who raise questions.  Whether in professional or personal situations, talking it out is the best approach.