Does political correctness prevent the U.S. from having honest public discussions about the possible validity of some racial attitudes?
Yes, despite what probably every other answer will tell you.Consider that no one would bat an eye if you said you experienced a lot of racism from white people. It's only when you say black people have been racist toward you that the conversation can no longer continue.That's the deal. Political correctness can absolutely stifle honest political debate, because it disallows criticism of disadvantaged groups without regard to whether the criticism is reasonable or not.Now, don't expect much support for your assertion from people on Quora. The vast majority that answer questions like this have made up their own definition of what political correctness is. They say it's a matter of being polite, essentially.Don't believe the BS.Politically incorrect statements can be said with politeness. It's the content and not the manner that makes something politically incorrect.—Edit: The question originally came with this description: I am a liberal, yet I feel like I want to see the reality of things, not just what I am supposed to. Some people want to shout me down if I ask questions or say anything that is not PC. For example, as an Asian I encountered a lot of racism from Black kids, but people don’t like it when I say that.
Is political correctness preventing free speech? If so, what are some examples?
No. Political correctness (if that is even an actual thing) is not preventing free speech. In fact it's merely a buzzword that is thrown around by people who can't keep their mouths shut and be polite.Political correctness is basically being polite and civil. To not shout out offensive slurs to someone who doesn't deserve it. This is common decency, if you don't like someone you simply don't interact with them - simples. That's just called being tolerant and civil.On the other hand, you have your typical anti-PC warrior who claims their freedom of speech is being impeached on because they can't actively insult and discriminate against people they don't like to their faces - this is just called being an ass.If you want to discriminate I am happy for you to do it in the vicinity of like-minded people just not when it's clearly offended someone else - that's bullying and plain rude.So with all that out of the way. Is it killing free speech?No.Political correctness is not killing free speech. you have the right to say whatever you want. You might become unpopular for saying what you want but that's your fault, no-one else's and it's certainly not the perceived entity that is 'political correctness's' fault. That's society.Another thing to remember as that freedom of speech can be restricted in certain places such as schools and certain organisations such as TV, work and so on. Basically, their business, their rules and that's just the way of things. If someone is kicked from a show for having anti-PC views then that's the right to the broadcaster - if you want to express your opinions go and find a TV station that will let you say those things or start a rally - if not many people support your rally then you should probably evaluate why people aren't supporting you.Most minorities actually aren't that sensitive at all - many of them can take a joke and can tell when someone is being aggressive and when they are just unknowingly making a hurtful comment. They will probably just fight back as well if you insulted them.PC can have it's extremists also but they're not usually a majority. I've never personally met many of these types online, perhaps it's because I stay away from Reddit and Tumblr...
Political correctness? Is this a good thing?
I found this statement under: The Origins Of Political Correctness A community declines when the majority of its citizens become selfish, and under this influence it slowly dismantles all the restraints upon self-indulgence established by manners, customs, tradition and law. As each subsequent generation of selfish citizens inherits control of the community, it takes its opportunity to abandon more of the irksome restraints that genius and wisdom had installed. The proponents of this social demolition achieve their irrational purpose by publicly embracing absurdity through slogans while vilifying any who do not support their stance. The purpose of the slogan is to enshrine irrational fears, or fancies, as truth through the use of presumptuous words, so public pronouncement: Dissembles the real nature of the claim Identifies any dissenters as enemies of the truth Acts as an excuse for any crimes committed in its name What a powerful statement! What do you think?
Why do people complain about "political correctness" and "sjws"?
They throw around the phrase "social justice warrior" in reference to a considerate, compassionate person who fights for social equality, as if somehow "social justice warrior" is supposed to be an insult. I should think that most reasonable people would take that as a compliment.
Is "political correctness" indirectly encouraging dishonesty in society?
I just read about the Paula Deen story where she was recently fired by TFN for racial slurs she'd admitted to using in the past. In got me thinking, is what she did THAT bad? I mean, she apologized sincerely it seems... I don't know. I feel sometimes that this trend to condemn people for their every word is setting a negative precedence that it's better to lie and pretend you're perfect than to be honest. Your thoughts?