And how to navigate "Political Correctness"
It's common nowadays to hear someone lament that society has become too politically correct, that we're all walking on eggshells, too scared to crack a joke. It's "just a joke," they say, and anyone offended is branded a sensitive snowflake. But let's take a step back and analyze the reasons, elucidate the elusive 'why' — because, honestly, some things are no laughing matter.
Imagine a world where we say anything we want, regardless of who it hurts. Sounds liberating? Not quite. This is not about suppressing freedom of speech; it’s about creating a social environment where everyone can thrive — not just those who lack any traumas or choose to ignore them.
Empathy: Not Just for Kids
Let me draw you a picture, but not with crayons and markers like we're in kindergarten talking about sharing. We're all adults here, right? Right?
Instead, imagine your coworker cracking a joke about a tragic event you experienced personally. What if you lost your one true love to cancer, and your colleague decided not to care about your sorrows, making a farce of the disease? How would that sit with you during your coffee break? This isn’t about being uptight; it’s about understanding that while words have the power to heal, they doubly have the power to harm.
No later than yesterday, in my Discord which I share with some gaming friends, there was a bit of banter that took a sharp turn into offensive territory. A member said something about using a whip on characters in the game V Rising to force them to collect cotton, an obvious jab at what anyone sensitive would consider historical atrocities.
Of course, in the context of the game, it's pixels and pretend. However, when making such a comment in public, it's also a gut-punch reminder to those whose real-life histories are scarred by such horrors.
For anyone interested, I decided not to erase the comment nor ban the user but instead used the incident as a teaching moment. This decision came after noticing some users reacted with an emoji indicating it was an awkward comment. I explained why such remarks could be hurtful, emphasizing understanding and awareness over punishment.
I am hoping this approach not only provided a learning opportunity but also helped create a community culture that values discussion and learning. And now, it's your turn — let's continue.
The Real Cost of a "Harmless" Joke
To those who claim that society is too politically correct, let me offer this: Political correctness is not about censoring jokes or repressing freedom; it's about recognizing that our words can reopen wounds we don’t see. It's about not being the jerk at a party who ruins everyone's good time with a "harmless" joke. Yes, I'm trying to teach you not to be that guy. I confess I have sadly been that kind of ass in the past when I didn't know better. My aim now is to help you be more aware than I was
In the digital age, our words travel faster and land harder. What's said in jest in one corner of the internet can be a viral trauma trigger in another. We’re not just speaking to our immediate circle anymore; our audience is global, diverse, and deserving of respect. Case in point: I don't have a social life in the real world anymore, yet here you are, reading me.
Why Political Correctness Isn't Censorship
Cries of censorship often echo when someone is called out for an offensive joke. But here’s the twist: political correctness is actually the opposite of censorship. It’s about more speech, not less. It’s inviting everyone to the conversation instead of a select few dictating the tone and topic.
Think of political correctness as the guidelines that help us communicate without accidentally stepping on landmines. It’s about promoting understanding and preventing the kind of linguistic fallout that divides rather than unites.
The Bigger Picture
Political correctness gets a bad rap as a villain in modern conversations, but it’s really the hero we often overlook. It allows us to challenge old, oppressive narratives and write new ones that include everyone. It’s not about being scared to speak; it’s about speaking with awareness and compassion.
I once heard someone compare old political leaders to manure, saying they help the new generation grow. The same goes for outdated notions of what’s funny. We need to let them decompose to enrich our societal soil, allowing newer, healthier ideas to take root.
Growing Forward
We don’t have to agree on everything, and humor shouldn’t be a battleground. But understanding why political correctness matters helps us all do better. It’s not about policing thoughts; it’s about opening minds.
I understand how it can be difficult and occasionally tedious, especially for older people, to remain up-to-date on what topics are best avoided in public discourses. However, know this: anyone reasonable will not ask you to learn the ins and outs of every trauma and potential "micro-aggression" there is. You can still be respectful and refrain from public comments you know have a good chance of offending multiple people. If you make a blunder, it's okay to apologize, learn, and grow.
It's also okay to make those risky jokes or comments in private with friends who have a similar sense of humor and will not be hurt by your words. While I would urge you to take a deep, long look in the mirror if jokes based on stereotypes stop being jokes and veer more into bigotry, if no one is hurt by what you say, then we are making progress toward a more beautiful society.
So, next time someone rolls their eyes at political correctness, remember — it’s not just about protecting feelings; it’s about respecting them. Because at the end of the day, the cost of being kind is nothing compared to the cost of being cruel.
Do you disagree? Have something more to say on the topic?
I have said this many times. I am open to being told I'm wrong. I do not hold the objective truth, and all I can do is give my honest opinion on how we can work to achieve a better world.
Whether you disagree or want to reinforce some of the things I said, please feel free to leave a comment. I will read what you have to say without judgment.
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