There is this all-out war by the right against "Political Correctness". But what is "Political Correctness"?
My understanding has always been that it simply means that you shouldn't insult people unnecessarily because of their religion, nationality, physical appearance, sexual preference, etc.
In other words, it's not "necessary" and it's insulting to call somebody who can't talk "dumb". Because the word, even though technically correct, is perceived as an insult. And there is no need, as there are other words to refer to the same condition. Some would say "speech impaired" is a "politically correct" term, for example. It's just a sign of respect towards the person.
However, under that concept, it makes no sense to me that some are now waging this war against "political-correctness". Do they just want to insult people? Is that all there is to it?
Well, there is a constitutional protection of free-speech. Therefore, you can insult anybody you want without a need to hide behind this "anti-political-correctness" mask. But if you're insulting people just to appear "manly", then do it to their face, and confront the consequences. Don't do it behind a wall of personal bodyguards, secret-service agents and thousands of supporters. Do it straight-out. They might just insult you back. Or they might punch you in the nose. If they do the latter, and they are willing to do the jail-time... shouldn't they also have a moral right to do so?
My understanding has always been that it simply means that you shouldn't insult people unnecessarily because of their religion, nationality, physical appearance, sexual preference, etc.
In other words, it's not "necessary" and it's insulting to call somebody who can't talk "dumb". Because the word, even though technically correct, is perceived as an insult. And there is no need, as there are other words to refer to the same condition. Some would say "speech impaired" is a "politically correct" term, for example. It's just a sign of respect towards the person.
However, under that concept, it makes no sense to me that some are now waging this war against "political-correctness". Do they just want to insult people? Is that all there is to it?
Well, there is a constitutional protection of free-speech. Therefore, you can insult anybody you want without a need to hide behind this "anti-political-correctness" mask. But if you're insulting people just to appear "manly", then do it to their face, and confront the consequences. Don't do it behind a wall of personal bodyguards, secret-service agents and thousands of supporters. Do it straight-out. They might just insult you back. Or they might punch you in the nose. If they do the latter, and they are willing to do the jail-time... shouldn't they also have a moral right to do so?
