Politically Correct = Intrinsically Kind

How Millennials are moving us toward a kinder culture

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How Millennials are moving us toward a kinder culture

In our presently bifurcated political world, the term “politically correct” has become a pejorative term that conservatives use as an example of the silliness of “snowflake liberals”. The conversation around being PC is usually led either by its most extreme supporters or detractors and includes non-PC name-calling. This article is directed at the vast majority of us who believe that it is important to keep our audience in mind when speaking, but we do not carry that belief to the extreme where we have to walk on eggshells in fear that someone might interpret something that we say as offensive. If we do offend, then we are willing to apologize immediately. Additionally, we are open to being educated on cultural issues that we are unaware of and are willing to make changes.

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.” Why the term has faced so much derision is a matter of opinion, but if we examine what the term really means in practice, we see that it implies having good manners and paying attention to your audience when speaking. Since when does having an awareness of your audience and taking pains not to insult them become a bad thing? Most of us would agree that good manners are desirable.

When people feel safe from insult, contempt, or ridicule in their environment whether it be at work, school or at home, they are able to focus on whatever the task at hand is. When we are in an environment where we never know when someone is going to insult us or our cohort (whether based on race, sexuality or gender), we are always on guard and anxious waiting for the next comment. This leads to a conscious suppression of speech for the affected person because they do not want to start an argument at work or school, especially with a supervisor or teacher. Shu-Ju Ada Cheng, sociology professor at DePaul University, reminds us to, “Keep in mind that there is a difference between challenging the context of unequal power … and prohibiting others from speaking.” This issue of unequal power is an important one. When the powerful ones in the environment encourage or allow hurtful speech, then the less powerful are effectively having their speech impinged upon. Whereas, if there is an explicit understanding from the power brokers that we will all speak to one another with respect and kindness, then everyone can be free to speak and work.

One of the arguments against teaching about politically correct language is the idea that restricting language has a stifling effect on expression. Interestingly, a study at Cornell University found just the opposite. The researchers found that training in politically correct language among male-female teams actually promoted creativity instead of stifling it. “[Political correctness] facilitates idea expression by reducing the uncertainty that people tend to experience while interacting with the opposite sex,” Jack Goncalo, associate professor of organizational behavior in the ILR School, said. “The PC norm, by establishing a clear guideline for how to behave appropriately in mixed-sex groups, made both men and women more comfortable sharing their creative ideas.” This study illustrates that when people feel that they are in a safe situation where they will not be denigrated, their creativity can flourish.

Much of the conversation about political correctness centers on college students. Andrew Hartman, a professor of history at Illinois State University, writes that freedom of speech on college campuses has not actually been affected by the increase in racial and gender diversity on college campuses. In fact, he notes that a “recent survey of college students conducted by FIRE (the very group that has done the most to raise the alarm) indicates that the vast majority of students, including conservatives, feel relatively uninhibited in expressing their views.” In other words, college students generally feel that they can express their views. They also wanted to attend a college that promotes a wide variety of viewpoints. A very small minority of 1–2% said that they would prevent a speaker with whom they did not agree from speaking. Once again, a very small, yet loud minority is setting the tone for conversations in a non-productive manner.

Graphic by Ashley Cai

Neil Howe, who writes extensively on generational trends, believes that political correctness has returned as a flashpoint is because millennials want a cultural change toward a nicer society. He writes, “Their crusades for emotional security in the classroom are a symptom of the much bigger movement underway to push the culture at large in a kinder, gentler direction.” Both Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock have advised comedians to avoid the college circuit because the students are too PC. Perhaps Mr. Seinfeld and Mr. Rock do not understand that there is a cultural shift happening and that their brand of humor may not register with the younger audience. Caitlin Flanagan of The Atlantic writes about her experience in watching and talking to college students from around the country who gathered to listen to comedians audition to obtain gigs at their schools. Flanagan noted how many of the students were concerned about the content of the shows needing to not offend. She writes, “They want a world that’s less cruel; they want to play a game that isn’t rigged in favor of the powerful. And it’s their student-activities money, after all — they have every right to hire the exact type of entertainment that matches their beliefs.” But her concern is that when we prevent the discussion of darker ideas, they begin to fester. However, history tells us that when dark ideas are allowed to become a normal part of the cultural conversation, they become part of the culture. We have seen this happen over the past year as white supremacists have felt much more comfortable coming out of the woodwork and sponsoring rallies like the violent one in Charlottesville last August. Surely, we do not want to return to the days when the majority felt comfortable using racial slurs with impunity?

Political correctness has changed our culture to one of more inclusivity and kindness. To me, at least, that is a good thing.