Category: Uncategorized

PC

The debate surrounding political correctness, as we see it, is ultimately about whether our right to freely express ourselves is more or less important than ensuring that others can live free of harassment. As a result we will primarily be looking into the origins of the term itself and it’s significance within our public and private lives, the overall effect, both positive and negative, that PC culture has had on our society, and ultimately whether we view the overall effect it has as mostly positive or negative. To that effect we will be looking at questions such as:

-How was the term first introduced into the public vernacular and for what purpose?

-How has it been most commonly used in recent times? (what words, which phrases.)

-Who most uses the term today and to what effect?

-What general trend can we observe in the popularity of certain colloquial terms in everyday language?

-Can we observe any instances where non-politically correct speech has led to significant penalties and has the incidence of such instances risen in recent years?

-Has PC culture had any effect on legally allowed speech or action in public or private spaces? Has it had any legislative effect to that extent?

-What roles do ideas of political correctness play in concepts such as neo-liberalism?

-Does the practice of politically correct speech and behavior substantially alter manifestations of oppression and injustice in our society or merely mask them?

-Is the use of disparaging, non-politically correct language and behavior a harm that requires systemic, significant change?