Political correctness weakens resolve

By Jim Killebrew

[October 04, 2014]  A couple of days ago I posted a short piece on face book that explored the implications of political correctness in our society. Perhaps the most general definition of political correctness is "the attitude or policy of being excessively careful not to offend or upset any group of people in society who are believed to have a disadvantage" (Wikipedia, Political Correctness). There are a couple of interesting thoughts in that definition: First, the practice of being "excessively careful" and second, the group in society that is believed to have a "disadvantage."

Take the issue in sports today; the issue of the Washington Redskins. In order to be offended by that name a person has to make an assumption that Native Americans somehow become "disadvantaged" at the mere mention of that name. Wrapped up in that assumption is an admission from the "offended" person that they personally believe the individual who is Native American actually is a "disadvantaged" person. That is especially true if the person being offended is not a Native American. Then, the person has to search around to find some euphemistic term to use in order to be "excessively careful" not to mention the term that "offends" those not of the class supposedly being offended. Simply by using the euphemism the person highlights the actual term trying to be avoided. Since everyone within hearing distance of the use of the euphemism automatically knows what the real term is that is being masked.
 

The problem with chasing after the political correctness is exacerbated when we realize the very term itself is a misnomer. It supposes the action of changing names or terms is based solely on the political implications rather than the actual morality of the situation. Under the paradigm the action of making a change is based on the ramifications it has on the political structure rather than the actual structure. As the practice of "political correctness" continues to grow, the politicians become more and more derailed from their actual function and purpose. In America, a society of multiculturalism, a foundation that has been a traditional strength, is being turned on by the political structure to wage a war of sorts on the very foundational traditions on which the country was founded. Last month 53 democrats voted to change the Constitution to abridge the First Amendment; they wanted to ban all criticism coming their way. There is another effort that cycles every few years from the PC crowd that wants to pass a "Freedom of Information Act" to significantly squash any broadcast using public airways from any conservative voice that disagrees with the progressivism of the left-wing element. Fundamentally, as many people have come to recognize, political correctness has begun to wage a war against Christian traditions presumably to "separate church and state" in such a way as to identify so-called phantom "disadvantaged" groups that might be offended if any Christian practice or tradition is openly public. Politically correct action tends to push any Christian activity to some church building to be hidden behind closed doors. In this case, everyone who is not a Christian becomes "disadvantaged" and is in danger of being offended"

Perhaps the most egregious political correction act beyond that of squashing Christianity is the effect it is having on the economy in America. From the time I was a little boy in Muskogee, Oklahoma I have grown up believing it is okay to work for the American Dream of working hard and getting ahead. My Dad always said, "When you work for the other guy you do the job the best you can, do more than asked of you and do it well." We have always worked hard, tried to do better than expected and knew we would always come out ahead. When a friend made good and received raises in pay and moved on to make a lot of money in his job or business, we celebrated and acknowledged his good fortune. We admired the wealthy because they were giving jobs to people and making lives for countless families much better in the long run.

Now, for some reason we are supposed to feel ashamed of trying to reach the gold ring; ashamed to better ourselves by making it good. We are supposed to despise the wealthy and blame them for our lives not being on par with theirs. We are supposed to look down on the American Dream and shun the hard-working guy who finally realizes their dream and makes it big. Somehow it just doesn't seem right to attack the "rich" for what they have. Who are we now anyway? Why have we changed so much and become so set in our status quo and become so lazy with our own personal motivation. We have become too politically correct and lackadaisical in our motivation to give our best.

Being "excessively careful" has a tendency to create indecisiveness. Being thoughtful, reflective, rational, truthful using all evidence and facts along with wise counsel tends to bring more decisiveness. One need look only at the "hot" spots in the world of today and the indecisiveness exhibited in responding to those issues presenting danger to Americans to see that without the leadership needed we become subject to the whims of others.

I think political correctness with its excessively careful indecisive attempts to shield a "straw person or group" to be labeled as disadvantaged has broken our spirit for things we used to think were good things; things like honesty, integrity, truthfulness, forthrightness, goodness and wholesomeness. I believe if it is time to kick the political correctness out of our lives and return to our roots to start doing our best again and quit trying to place groups or people in the role of being disadvantaged.

[By JIM KILLEBREW]