Ever since the early 2000s, the phrase “political correctness has jumped the shark” has been used to describe an era where too much sensitivity is taken with words and actions. While it might seem like this trend started innocently enough – with people trying to be more sensitive to different cultures and viewpoints – over time, it has taken on a different meaning. In this article, we’ll look at when and how political correctness jumped the shark and discuss some of the negative consequences that have come along with it.
Political Correctness Jumped The Shark: What is political correctness?
Political correctness (PC) has been around for centuries, but it took off in the 1990s with the rise of multiculturalism and political correctness. PC is a way of thinking that people should be careful to avoid words or actions that could offend someone, predominantly ethnic or racial minorities.
Some people see political correctness as a way to be kind and respectful to everyone, while others see it as a way to censor free speech. It can be challenging to tell when something is PC or not, and there have been times when a PC has gone too far.
Here are five examples of when political correctness went too far:
1. When a school district banned using the term “chief” because some Native American students might feel offended.
2. When Mozilla Firefox decided to stop displaying ads that used stereotypes or offensive language because they might hurt minority feelings.
3. When Kathy Griffin posed with a fake severed head of Donald Trump and was subsequently fired from her job as a comedian.
4. When ESPN decided not to air an offensive commercial during the Super Bowl because some viewers might find it offensive.
5. And most recently, when Starbucks pulled their holiday cup design because it featured two red-headed characters drinking from a white mug – which some people felt was racist against redheads
How did political correctness jump the shark?
Political correctness has been a topic of concern and ridicule for a long time, but it has jumped the shark at some point. When did this happen, and why?
There is no definitive answer to these questions, as political correctness has evolved over time in reaction to various issues and controversies. However, some experts say that the tipping point may have come with the #MeToo movement.
#MeToo was originally a movement to expose sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. However, it soon emerged that the campaign was also used to discredit people who had spoken out about other allegations, such as sexual misconduct by influential figures in Hollywood or politics. This backlash led to accusations of PC Gone Wild.
Many argue that #MeToo went too far by demonizing innocent people and silencing dissent. As a result, many believe that political correctness has gone too far – and turned into something altogether different from what started it all off.
What is the difference between being politically correct and being polite?
When did “political correctness” become such a problem?
The concept of “political correctness” has been around since the early days of the United States. It was initially used to refer to actions taken by people in power to ensure that all groups were treated fairly and with respect. Over time, however, the term has come to be used more broadly to refer to any behavior or attitude perceived as being too soft or gentle.
Today, political correctness often feels like a way of limiting freedom of expression. People subscribing to this way of thinking often believe it is essential to avoid negative comments about certain groups or individuals. They see politeness as a way of showing respect for others, even if it means sacrificing free speech.
Are there good reasons to be politically correct?
There are certainly benefits to being polite and respectful when interacting with others. For example, it can help build bridges between different groups and create a more inclusive society. On the other hand, there are several times when politeness can get in the way of constructive dialogue or open discussion. Too often, people who subscribe to political correctness tend to censor themselves instead of speaking their minds honestly. This can harm both personal relationships and overall discourse in society.
What are some examples of failing to be politically correct?
There are many ways to be politically incorrect. Still, some of the most common include saying things that might offend someone’s cultural sensibilities, using offensive language. And making assumptions about people’s beliefs or backgrounds.
Sometimes it can be hard to know when and how to be polity correctly. Here are a few examples:
1. Saying “thank you” instead of “you’re welcome.” This may seem small, but it can be interpreted as insincere gratitude.
2. Referring to someone by their identifying characteristics instead of their name. This can include selecting an ethnic slur rather than using the person’s proper name, for example.
3. Making assumptions about people’s beliefs or backgrounds without asking them first. For example, assuming that everyone who supports abortion is morally wrong or that all vegetarians are vegan is not polite.
4. Insulting people in public without any provocation whatsoever. This can make it difficult for others to associate with you socially and lead to physical confrontations if the insult is received poorly.
Political Correctness Jumped The Shark: What are some maliciously false political correctness terms?
A few terms have been falsely used to silence criticisms of certain ideologies and viewpoints, and as a result. They’ve become politically correct buzzwords.
These terms include “cultural appropriation,” “microaggression,” and “safe space.”
Cultural appropriations are when one group of people takes something from another culture without giving credit or permission. For example, a white person wearing traditional African clothing could be considered guilty of cultural appropriation.
Microaggressions are subtle insults or indignities which are often done without the intent to hurt someone’s feelings. They can involve something as simple as making assumptions about someone’s ethnicity or religion or speaking condescendingly.
Safe spaces are designed to be free from offensive speech or ideas. This means that no matter what someone believes, they can express it without fear of judgment. This can lead to ideological conformity, and leftists often use it to suppress dissenting views.
