Enough Already With Political Correctness
Monday, January 27, 2003
Enough Already With Political Correctness A KSCO Editorial By Kay Zwerling
Political Correctness emerged in the late sixties as the brainchild of the academic left, born of emotion. That is to say, feelings, not facts nor reality.
Along those lines, it was decided by the left, that to be politically correct one must no longer use the word "handicapped".. instead that word was replaced by the words "physically-challenged". Nothing really changed. The handicapped person was still handicapped and probably came to terms with that situation a long time ago.
Anyhow, the word "challenged" came into vogue and any condition remotely negative or sad became hyphenated, followed by the word "challenged".
KSCO's Russian talk host perpetuates this charade, no doubt jokingly, by explaining his lack of proficiency in English by starting each program stating that he is "linguistically-challenged.
Another manifestation of political correctness bordering on the absurd: About five years ago, a local high school, accustomed to honoring the student graduating with the highest grades by being named class valedictorian had to withdraw that traditional honor because eleven students had the same grade average. Had the administrators factored in other individual accomplishments one student would have stood out front. However, rather than hurt anyone's feelings, that year there were eleven valedictorians! So much for the joy of achievement capitulating to feelings!
Likewise, in the 60???s UCSC initiated a pass/fail grading system to replace letter grades primarily because it was more compassionate for students who were unable to attain A's and B's. The pursuit of excellence was no longer rewarded ...in fact it was disdained! In the name of feelings there became a settling for mediocrity.
Political Correctness heralded the dumbing down of our education system. Competing has become politically incorrect! Students are no longer expected to be high achievers. Everybody's comfort level must be equal. Nobody must have hurt feelings. Nobody except maybe the innocent victims of affirmative action. The best and the brightest had to defer to the less able. Many brilliant students were locked out of medical schools, law schools, dental schools, etc. There must be a way to implement a form of affirmative action without punishing those with the most potential. The feelings of everyone affected should be considered.
Because of political correctness children are not being properly disciplined. ..not at home and not at school...because that might stifle creativity.
Parents were admonished to avoid saying "No", or "Do not" to their kid for fear that those restrictions might damage juniors psyche! Feelings have replaced discipline and common sense. Children are being cheated out of having parameters. As a result, respect for parents and teachers has eroded.
In some schools teachers are being cursed, assaulted, and in extreme cases some have even been raped by students! Because of Political Correctness many parents have abdicated their roles as guiding influences...and instead have opted to be their kids' buddies. Not all parents; only those who have allowed themselves to be seduced by the misguided notion of political correctness. So, if the shoe fits, wear it. Political correctness has fostered a nation of wimps and victims. People no longer take responsibility for their behavior...it's much easier to let someone else or the government bail them out.
How about the elderly woman who held her cup of hot coffee between her thighs while driving, scalded her legs , then took Macdonald's to court, sued for damages and won!
Also, the lifetime smoker who developed lung cancer, blamed and then sued the tobacco company and was awarded millions! Victimhood has become a lucrative art! Now greedy, unethical lawyers are initiating frivolous lawsuits--all with the help of politically correct juries and especially condoned by politically correct judges who lack the backbone to rule rationally!
Lefty judges must take responsibility for enabling our judicial system to become political and grossly unfair! Surely these extremist judges and lawyers are in the minority, but it takes only a few rotten apples to ruin the entire barrel.
One could go on and on about the abuses and havoc generated by political correctness.
It's really tiresome how these PC lefties are always offended! Now the word "Christmas" can no longer be mentioned in the public school system. Can't say God either, and The Ten Commandments are banned from all schools and all public buildings! Our national moral fiber is wearing very thin.
In a subsequent commentary we will discuss more about the excesses perpetrated by political correctness and finish with the full text of the amazing Bill of No Rights.
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Columbus Townhall > Forum > Politics > National > Political Philosophies (Moderators: Peter, CTH Public Relations)
Topic: Enough Already With Political Correctness
