Political correctness (PC) has woven itself into the fabric of modern society, often as a tool for promoting respect and inclusion. However, its impact has been a double-edged sword, leading to unintended consequences that have sparked debates on its role and necessity. This article delves into the effects of political correctness on society and explores the reasons for rethinking its application, using anecdotes from India, the United States, and Europe to illustrate these points. Ultimately, we need to be politically responsible and respectful rather than merely politically correct.

Political correctness is the avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived as excluding, marginalising, or insulting groups of people considered disadvantaged or discriminated against. This concept intends to create a more inclusive environment by using language and behaviour that are respectful and sensitive towards various social groups.

The Rise of Political Correctness

The roots of political correctness can be traced back to the civil rights movements of the mid-20th century, which sought to address systemic discrimination and promote equality. Initially, PC was a well-intentioned effort to eliminate offensive language and behaviours that marginalized minority groups. Over time, however, its scope expanded, sometimes leading to an environment where even minor slights were conflated with genuine oppression.

The term “politically correct” first emerged in the 1930s, referring to dogmatic adherence to ideology in totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. By 1934, it was used by the Nazis to describe approved opinions. The concept of “political correctness” originated in the Marxist-Leninist lexicon after the Russian Revolution of 1917, describing strict adherence to Communist Party principles, with “politically incorrect” indicating deviations from the party line. In the United States, the term became linked to debates among communists and socialists.

In the 1970s, the American New Left revived the term, inspired by Mao’s emphasis on correct party lines, using it ironically. The early 1990s saw a conservative backlash against political correctness, sparking cultural and political debates in the United States.

Political correctness in contemporary India has seen a significant rise, mirroring global trends while also reflecting unique cultural and societal dynamics. This shift has been driven by a growing awareness of social justice issues, fueled by the increased connectivity and information flow facilitated by the internet and social media. Discussions around caste, gender, religion, and regional identities have become more prominent, with a stronger emphasis on inclusive language and sensitivity towards historically marginalized communities. Educational institutions, media, and corporate environments are increasingly adopting politically correct language to foster an atmosphere of respect and equality.

Critics of political correctness in India argue that it stifles free speech and fosters self-censorship, preventing open dialogue. They claim it offers superficial solutions by focusing on language rather than addressing systemic issues of discrimination. Some see it as a tool for political manipulation, used to silence dissent and homogenize India’s diverse cultural landscape. Critics also believe it can exacerbate divisions by constantly highlighting differences, diverting attention from pressing socio-economic challenges, and generating backlash and resentment among those who feel marginalized or dismissed by politically correct norms.

Impact on Society

India: The Debate on Language and Identity

In India, the debate over political correctness often centres around language and identity. For instance, renaming cities to reflect their Indigenous heritage, such as Bombay to Mumbai and Calcutta to Kolkata, was intended to honour local culture and history. While these changes were generally well-received, they also sparked debates about whether such moves were necessary or merely symbolic. Critics argue that focusing on renaming cities diverts attention from pressing issues like poverty and education.

The United States: Free Speech and Campus Culture

In the United States, political correctness has had a significant impact on college campuses. The rise of “safe spaces” and “trigger warnings” was aimed at protecting students from potentially distressing content. While these measures were meant to create inclusive environments, they also led to accusations of suppressing free speech. One notable incident occurred at Yale University in 2015 when a faculty member’s email questioning the need for Halloween costume guidelines sparked widespread protests. This incident highlighted the tension between promoting sensitivity and preserving open dialogue.

Europe: Integration and Multiculturalism

Europe faces its own set of challenges with political correctness, particularly regarding immigration and integration. In countries like Germany and France, debates over accommodating cultural differences versus preserving national identity are ongoing. The 2016 New Year’s Eve assaults in Cologne, where large groups of men of North African and Arab descent were reported to have sexually assaulted women, ignited a fierce debate about immigration policies and political correctness. Critics argued that fear of being labelled racist prevented authorities from addressing the issue effectively.

Political correctness (PC), which took hold in the nineties, has rendered us all but ineffective in our pursuit of communicating with one another. There is more gossip, hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and intolerance because we do not actually know how to engage with one another when the going gets tough. We are great when all is well, but if history has shown us anything, it’s this: all is definitely not always well. What then?
– Dr. Nancy Dome, Let’s Talk About Race (and Other Hard Things)

The Need for Rethinking

Promoting a Victim Mentality

One of the major criticisms of political correctness is that it can foster a “victim mentality.” By continuously highlighting oppression and victimhood, individuals may feel disempowered and less motivated to take control of their own lives. This mindset can impede personal growth and self-reliance, resulting in a society more preoccupied with grievances than with finding solutions. Additionally, this mentality can lead to a perceived right not to be offended, which can be misused in many instances.

Suppressing Free Speech

Political correctness can also suppress free speech and stifle open discussions. When people fear backlash for expressing their views, even if well-intentioned, it creates an environment of self-censorship. This suppression can prevent genuine progress by hindering the exchange of ideas necessary for addressing complex social issues.

Distorting Public Debate

Everyday situations are now frequently expressed through a politically correct lens. For instance, the sentence “a poor man from a slum was accused of robbing a necklace from a housewife” is rephrased as: “The economically disadvantaged individual from an underprivileged area allegedly took unauthorized possession of a high-value personal adornment from a gender-specific domestic professional.”

The emphasis on political correctness can distort public debate, leading to bad policies being adopted. When discussions are driven more by avoiding offence than by seeking truth, policy decisions may be based on appeasing vocal minorities or vote banks rather than addressing broader societal needs. This distortion can result in ineffective or counterproductive policies that fail to address the root causes of problems.

Impact on Those It Aims to Help

Ironically, political correctness can sometimes harm those it aims to help. By focusing on symbolic gestures rather than substantive change, well-intentioned efforts may overlook the real issues affecting marginalized communities. For instance, while renaming a city may honour cultural heritage, it does little to address economic disparities or improve living conditions.

Conclusion

Political correctness, with its noble intentions, has undeniably played a role in fostering a more respectful and inclusive society. However, its misapplication and overreach have led to significant challenges that warrant reconsideration. By prioritizing political responsibility and respect over mere political correctness, society can promote open dialogue, personal responsibility, and effective policies that genuinely address the needs of all its members. The experiences from India, the United States, and Europe underscore the importance of rethinking political correctness to ensure it serves its intended purpose without unintended harm.