Political correctness
Leaders Prep Section
Watch this video, read these notes, and send the pre-written email (below) to your group 2-3 days before you meet.
Notes
Political correctness may harm, it may help. That’s up to your group to decide. But at the very least, it changes the way we talk. Well, not tonight. HR can’t hear you. Speak freely.
Group Guide Starts Here
Introduction
First, a little history: Political correctness is a term that likely originated in the early 1900s as part of a Marxist-Leninist vocabulary “used to describe adherence to policies of the Communist Party.”1 According to Angelo Codevilla, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at Boston University, the notion of political correctness was “a semi-humorous reminder that the Party’s interest is to be treated as a reality that ranks above reality itself.” 2 The term has even been linked with the Nazi party. Regardless, all stories of origin seem to agree it was: 1) directly tied to a political party (thus the name political correctness) and, 2) born out of a desire to control thought and behavior. Another term that emerged during the same time was “the party line.”
Then, in the late 1970s to early 90s, the term re-emerged, describing a political movement aimed at enforcing social ideas and viewpoints.
What’s your earliest memory of political correctness? What were you personally taught to say or do? How did it impact you?
Today, definitions of political correctness vary widely. However, at their core, most definitions have an idea that there is a victim or disadvantaged group in society and others need to measure their language or behavior towards them. From that point, proponents and opponents take different views:
Proponents say political correctness is a form of social justice.
Is there someone you know that has benefited by what you would consider political correctness? (The more personally you are connected to the story, the better.)
Opponents say political correctness is built on resentment, not justice, and reduces healthy dialogue.
If you could push political correctness aside for an evening, what honest conversation or question would you like to discuss and whom would you discuss it with?
If you had to work closely with someone who felt very differently than you on social issues, would you want an open conversation or would you rather each of you to bite your tongue?