Political Correctness

CORE DEFINITION

Political correctness is a practice of avoiding language or behavior that may offend others. In contemporary American discourse, it often refers to protecting or avoiding discrimination against minority groups and disadvantaged groups in speech, behavior, policy, and cultural output. It is often combined with the Black civil rights movement, feminist movement, LGBTQ+ rights movement, and environmentalism (such as animal protection), promoting and supporting the creation of a diverse society with DEI principles. In earlier contexts, such as in the Soviet Union and Eastern European socialist countries, within left-wing political discourse, it meant adhering to the 'orthodox line' of communism and aligning with the 'party's general line.' Debates about it do not refer to the same meaning. Political correctness is often seen as a restriction on freedom of speech, requiring influential political figures, public figures, media, and educational institutions to meet certain conditions when expressing opinions or disseminating information, such as supporting the rights of minority and disadvantaged groups. Politically incorrect speech or behavior may be criticized, and some individuals have been suspended pending investigation. Excessive political correctness may lead to reverse discrimination. Moreover, the standards of 'political correctness' vary and are considered to depend on the individual.