What do I mean when I say "political correctness"?

[aesmael]

Referring to people in the manner they prefer to be referred. Not needlessly being a jerk to people about their identity.

Comments

[farsideofewan.livejournal.com]

political correctness has taken on a rather negative connotation maybe just basic courtesy

[taraxoxo.livejournal.com]

The whole myth about political correctness - I think we should just all abandon it. Isn't it getting old?

[pazi-ashfeather.livejournal.com]

No, treating other people with courtesy and respect despite how they may be different from/incomprehensible to you hasn't gotten old.

[allieflowlight.livejournal.com]

THANK YOU.

[lost-angelwings.livejournal.com]

YES

[taraxoxo.livejournal.com]

What I meant was the myth that there is something called political correctness.

[chaoticset.livejournal.com]

Personally, I don't like the phrase. The reason I don't like the phrase "politically correct" is that it places the onus of good, respectful behavior on whether other people are being good and respectful.

IMHO, people should be treated well until there's a good reason not to. IMHO, people should be treated as they want to be treated, because I have to work on my personal discomforts, and they shouldn't be expected to adapt to my insecurities.

That's just why I don't like the phrase. I like what you mean by it very much... *hugs you tight*

[lost-angelwings.livejournal.com]

I agree, it implies that stuff like this is "political" for one, which implies that being against it is just another "political" stance.. i.e. that referring to our gender correctly is merely just a "political" thing and not about respect and CORRECTNESS (in that THAT IS OUR TRUE GENDER)

also I hate how ppl interpret it to basically mean "politeness" as in "well to be polite I'll humour you but.."

[allieflowlight.livejournal.com]

*nod* Yeah, I hate that--it implies that they have to agree with us in order to respect us, which is just... so fundamentally wrong that I don't even know where to begin.

I can deal with people disagreeing with us--I don't like it, but their minds are their own--but I still expect them to respect us.

[allieflowlight.livejournal.com]

Really, nowadays, the only people I hear still using the phrase "politically correct" are those who are self-righteous about being jerks--as if repeating the same tired, bigoted crap that's been said for thousands of years is some kind of coup for free speech, or something...

[allieflowlight.livejournal.com]

With that said, I do like your definition. :)

[coniferous_you]

Obviously, everyone feels the way you do. I'm not going to give you my impassioned reiteration and blah blah blah.

BUT, I feel this hasn't been said enough, I like when you say "jerk." It is amusing.