Blog #3 …And then there is PC Talk

In this blog series what is free speech, freedom of the press, and the evils of dehumanization have been explored.  This creates the need to examine the opposing sides of the issue of the language of dehumanization.  While nobody will truly argue that dehumanization is a good thing it can be argued that it is the lesser of two evils when pitted against censorship often popularly referred to as “political correctness.”  It must also be examined if “political correctness” is a negative force that will destroy society or if the movement is beneficial to society. 

Within American society there are popular terms applied to censorship to include “political correctness”, “big brother state”, and “socialism.”  Each of these terms are hyperbolic in a sense, taking the listener to an extreme emotion rather than a rational discussion of the topic.  What is the concerns of political correctness and the dangers it creates within society?  Politically conservative columnist Tim Wildmon wrote “Political correctness is the practice of refusing to acknowledge the truth or the facts of a situation because your words may be considered offensive to some people. This is not the same as being purposefully rude or hurtful although some may interpret it that way.” (Political Correctness: Dangerous Abandonment of Common Sense).  In his assessment words that dehumanize should be protected because they are words of facts, he says “Facts and statistics don't create a false "stereotype." However, stereotypes are the basis of dehumanization of groups within society and are historically dangerous.  This is Jon Stewart talking about political correctness within the political system within the country (note some adult language used). 

NPR Commentator Gene Demby wrote an article examining research by Cornell University that shows the positive aspects of political correctness.  The findings he reported were “The researchers' takeaway: By imposing a PC environment, they had made it easier for men and women to speak their minds in mixed company. They had "reduced the uncertainty" that can come with interacting with someone from the opposite sex.” (What Research Says about the Consequences of PC Culture).  Basically, the PC culture removes the bully in the room who prevents the inclusion of all within a group.  Words of dehumanization are toxic within society and are a roadblocks to advancement.  They take groups of people and isolate them devaluing not only their ideas but rob them of their humanity.  This research shows that thinking about what you are going to say is more productive than words without thought. 

Both authors agree that political correctness impacts communication, they clearly disagree on if that impact is positive or negative.  I think it is better to choose your words carefully rather than try to defend poorly worded arguments.  In my next blog I will take a look at historical outcomes of the use of dehumanizing language. 

Word Count: 468

Works Cited:
Demby, Gene. "What Research Says About The Consequences Of PC Culture." NPR. NPR, n.d. Web. 13 July 2016. 

"Political Correctness: Dangerous Abandonment of Common Sense." Political Correctness: Dangerous Abandonment of Common Sense. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 July 2016.

"Jon Stewart Donald Trump(NEW)." YouTube. YouTube, 2016. Web. 13 July 2016.