Recently, all of us have heard the term "politically correct" thrown around one too many times. If you haven't, you must live in a dark cave, and for that I envy you. While many of us (except the people who live in caves isolated from all human interaction) hear the term used quite often, not everyone knows exactly what it means. Merriam-Webster defines politically correct as "conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated." Sounds fine on the surface, but today I am here to tell you this idea has been taken way too far.
Political correctness has been a huge theme lately, even candidates of the presidential race have chimed in on the matter. Donald Trump straight up insisted that himself and this country simply doesn't have time for total political correctness. Which obviously, we know that being politically correct is not at all something Mr. Trump strives for, but this is the one thing I do agree with him on. America does not have time for total political correctness.
The idea of mending this country by a push toward more sensible language when discussing touchy subjects that may affect someone's feelings is understandable. And to an extent, I believe it has been of help to the progress we've seen as a more accepting society. However, this movement has created a completely different atmosphere where we choose to avoid these topics altogether. Instead of one elephant in the room, there is now 20. We have to constantly tip toe around what needs to be said. This movement, which was intended to create a more peaceful political climate, has overall created a bigger issue than what it set out to solve.
I'm all for people not being bigoted, sexist, racist, etc. but political correctness doesn't at all resemble the principle's America was founded upon. Freedom of speech isn't free when you discouraged from actually speaking your mind if it might in some way offend someone. And I should know, millennials and college crowds are offended if someone drops a pencil. Even my own university has sheltered potentially offensive material from entering the classroom even though this is the exact place students should be discussing different points of view. I want to cringe at the thought of someone saying they feel "triggered" or they need a "safe space" when they're among one of the luckiest, most entitled people in the universe to live safe and sound in America.
The gap between intent of political correctness and it's actual impact is something that can no longer be ignored. America has been witness to an alarming number of atrocities in my lifetime and yet people think the answer is to take God out of this country because someone may not believe in Him. If they think it's a fairytale, then fine; I'm totally cool with that. But then why should it offend you? You have as much freedom to believe what you want as others do. While the debate of whether or not America was technically founded as a Christian nation is ongoing, I will say this:
You live in a country where an overwhelming majority identifies as a Christian. This does not mean other religions aren't important. America grants you the right to be a part of whatever religion you may choose. If you want to believe a two headed unicorn named Billy Bob is your messiah, then go for it! However, understand that America holds a culture that is strongly tied to it's dominant religion. I wouldn't travel to Pakistan and be offended at all of the signs and reminders that it is a country flourishing with Muslims. Accept the fact that America is home to a population that identifies as more than 80 percent Christian, lighten up, and move on. If I lived in a country that was home to more than 80 percent Billy Bob believers and they wanted to sing a song that has his name in it between the 7th inning of a baseball game, I'm all ears.
Tolerance and acceptance is something we should strive for as Americans, but not this way. There is a good medium somewhere. How are we to solve the real issues when we can't even talk about them? I'm sorry but if some feelings get hurt amidst our country prospering then I'm OK with it. Ask the older folks out there and they will tell you of a world that use to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and face every different view this country has to offer. Even if it hurt their feelings a little, they lived (and they're a stronger person because of it). They are able to find humor in the things that others find offense in, and that's why they're just happier people in general.
I love my country, but I don't want my child to grow up afraid to achieve the American Dream because they can't stand for something. I also don't want my child to grow up in a world where mediocrity is praised. I want them to grow up in a country that proves to them hard work and perseverance can take you anywhere you desire in life. I want them to understand there will always be opposing views and that's just the way life is. I want them to know that they should raise their voice for something they believe in and to overcome any barrier in the way. I refuse to let political correctness plague this nation any longer. To any PC Police out there reading this, I implore you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
