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A Trap Awaits the Politically Correct
Why political correctness could enslave us(5th edition - March 2008) by A.O. Kime Having become a new instrument of society and often ridiculed, the commonly-used phrase ‘politically correct’ was coined sometime during the 1960’s when a few groups began to discourage the usage of insensitive terms in favor of better-sounding ones. It soon swelled into a 'movement'... then evolved. Although the 'political' part is largely a misnomer, seldom concerning political affairs, then or now, the idea was to elicit a standard (of sorts) for a more polite way to address certain things publicly. The media adopted the suggestions and, by example, spread the word. Destined to evolve, politically correctness is utilized for many purposes today and the case list is growing… which, in itself, has dangerous implications. Sapped for all it's worth, it is fast becoming an instrument to fulfill self-serving agendas and to even raise taxes. Preceded by their conditioning hoopla, the state's attacks on tobacco is a prime example. True to its name though, and probably where the term came from, political correctness has been around for centuries within the diplomatic corps. To be a diplomat is to know how to tactfully say what needs to be said. Just as important is what not to say. After all, certain words said at the wrong time, or said in the wrong manner, can start wars. Over the centuries official diplomacy became practically a science whereby, as an example, a certain term used by a diplomat can reflect a level of interest, agreement or level of opposition. In short, diplomats have their own language... except, it's not the only 'language within a language'. Advocating certain terms for media use, while discouraging others, is the other 'language within a language' in an attempt to influence the public. It's called 'political correctness'... although it flies under different banners, has different colors. And, as if a kaleidoscope, there are several ways to look at it. As a result of the initial successes in influencing the public in the 60s, the propagandistic potential of political correctness was quickly recognized and began covering a number of topics. Its modus operandi is simple enough, amounting to just spreading the word as to what is 'proper' terminology (or conduct) and implying it should be adopted by the public. Except... the public was (and still is) left in the dark as to who decides what is 'proper' and what isn't. While innocent and well-intentioned to begin with, like all social policies 'political correctness' was destined to become contorted and corrupt. As a result, it enabled agendas to kidnap 'proper' and make it their poster boy. Although seemingly not a conspiracy at first but whatever agenda it might be serving today, their wishes seem routinely granted by the media. While there are a few exceptions (PBS), whatever it concerns is a clue as to who is browbeating the media who, in turn, browbeats the public. It's America's pecking order. While tactfulness is a good idea since we all should be diplomats, being browbeaten isn't necessary. In order to 'get along' most folks were (are) diplomatic anyway. Now however, it's a matter of taking advantage of the fact societies prefer conformity and are amenable to suggestions. With too many versions of politeness and tactfulness floating around, most having social connotations and some political, deemed a threat apparently, words are now 'pre-approved' (in effect). While nobody really cares or can control what is said off camera, absent the media, apparently someone does care what is said publicly. And, it is largely controllable (although not on the Internet). Common decencyCommon decency was once just something we initiated on our own... because we wanted to. Invariably, it's the prudent course of action… after all, nobody gets anywhere unless they're respectful of others. But, the day political correctness began trying to represent social graces, as if the sole and deciding instrument, it opened the door for maliciousness in all shapes and forms. It created a danger to liberties and the threat is growing. Political correctness, a seemingly harmless undertaking advertised only as 'standards of decency', has overtones which could further enslave all mankind. After all, to be politically correct can be applied to almost any situation and could be enforced. While it's already politically incorrect to bad-mouth an official too aggressively, just as easily it could become illegal. Using the same logic which made it illegal to yell ‘fire’ in a crowed theater, it could be said political criticism might cause a ‘stampede’. It happened in Egypt... it is now against the law to 'incite hatred' against the regime. Or should it be called 'administration'? Today, 'frankness' is essentially under house arrest and the house of frankness is shrinking. Despite trying harder than ever to reflect otherwise, media criticism has become more selective and subdued. Treasonous acts, although ignored for more than a century, are invariably called something milder like ‘indiscretion’ or 'incompetence'. Nor is politically correct to call an ally a tyrant or to compare someone to Hitler. Anytime someone is compared to Hitler the howls of conformists are heard everywhere. While it's historically true intimidation and coercion have always comprised the arsenal of governments, they are more pliable than law and therefore subject to continual improvement. Subtle ways work best, they've found, and to fit the occasion adjustments can be made 'on the fly'. And, like 'political correctness', the instruments of society are sure to have innocent-sounding names... terms like ‘public safety’, ‘freedom’, 'children', 'justice' or ‘apple pie'. Organizations love those terms. After World War II, there was a group in France calling themselves the ‘Committee of Public Safety’ but it was really a front for usurpers. Associated with the Knights Templar in a web of deception and intrigue, it believed it had the right to rule the world. Everyone wants to rule the world however but the name of their organization would never reflect it… quite the opposite. Words applied are practically meaningless anymore, seldom representing reality. It's all about perceptions. Political heresyWhile the ‘correctness’ part of political correctness makes it a friendlier sounding name, yet to ignore it is practically heresy. We've been made to feel it nearly a crime. Of a Middle Ages mentality, as if sponsored by religious fanaticism, it is protocol trying to firmly establish itself. As if scripted, history repeating itself, the protocol of political correctness could be backed up by law. The door is now open for that possibility. While the selective use of terms has been around for ages, ultimately to be employed in various forms of propaganda, the latest version (political correctness) was born when 'drunk' was replaced by 'alcoholic' in the 1960s closely followed by 'disabled' as the new term for someone crippled. Also in the 60s, 'negro' was replaced by 'black'. Then in the 70s, 'obese' became the new term for 'fat' and 'indian' was replaced with 'American Indian'. While most of these new terms sound better, except 'obese' which sounds worse, as if weighing 500 pounds, why didn't the old-fashioned term ‘plump’ catch on? If given a choice, surely the public would have chosen 'plump' over 'obese'. While trivial, the point is ... the public wasn't given a choice. Whether government, science, do-gooders or special interests, someone else took control over propriety. While most new terms sound better sensitivity-wise, but even those without an agenda have a conspicuous downside. Underscoring the hypocritical nature of society is no small matter either. Whilst it’s politically correct to call a drug addict an 'addict', legalities dictate whether other substance abusers are to be considered an 'addict'. In our society, there is no such thing as 'alcohol addicts'... only 'alcoholics'. It resonates as hypocritical and thus creates a dysfunctional atmosphere. By the example set by the media, we're also encouraged to never substitute a nicer term for ‘prostitutes’ and it would be politically incorrect if we tried. While we might get away with calling them ‘hookers’ which sounds less 'harsh'... but God forbid if we called them 'happy hookers'. Why? Well, if such an innocent sounding term became popularized people might tend to think prostitution aught to be legal. For the same reason, cocaine users aren't to be called connoisseurs nor should you to refer to drunk driving as a sport. Furthermore, in speaking of them one must either maintain a grim face or look horrified. It is clear, the usage of vile terms for things which stand opposed to the status quo is the language of the media. And, it has a trickle-down effect. You know… as in freedom fighters vs. terrorists. Clearly, this type of political correctness is not only propagandistic but propagates hypocriticalness which, in turn, propagates substance abuse. Whether the result of a dysfunctional family or a dysfunctional society, it's all the same. To make a point, it could be said substance abusers (alcohol-drugs) are the only sane people on earth. At least they're not insane. After all, anyone sane would naturally be trying to escape from an insane asylum. Although society is a wall-less asylum, pretence and hypocrisy is surely dysfunctional and dysfunctionalism is a form of insanity... isn't it? Of a growing list, pretence and hypocrisy are just two more 'not-to-be-uttered' words... especially not when talking about society's role in substance abuse. After all, frivolity is one of the pillars of civilization. Liar, liar, pants on fireAs a more powerful deterrent than dueling with pistols, as a result of political correctness politicians don't dare call each other liars anymore even if it’s true… and it often is. Even more strictly forbidden, they can’t use the word ‘treason’ anymore either if it's true... and it often is. Of course, if circumventing the American constitution was treated as treason (as it should be), half of Washington would be behind bars. At times, they may have been treasonous themselves. Anyway, the term 'treason' (the betrayal of a trust) was banned, exiled... not to be uttered since the 19th century. A casualty, of course, is competent governance. In short, political correctness has the ability to water down the English language whereby only the weakest descriptive terms are politically correct. Strong terms are reserved for the non-political and counter-aligned 'bad guys'. Aside from hindering the ability to safeguard the American Constitution, telling the truth today is only politically correct on the witness stand… otherwise it's not because almost everything said in a politically correct fashion requires a degree of lying. We are now, through socialized pressure, expected to lie… to whitewash everything. If we’re looking for reasons why kids use drugs… well, it is the greater reason. They’re trying to escape these bizarre realities... and the greater reason for so many drunks and suicides too. So who is exploiting political correctness? Well, besides the ‘establishment’ which comprises all levels of government, the media and big corporations (the infamous triad), it's various groups of often nameless people operating behind the scenes. Like the environmentalists, they are usually shadowy and exercise anonymity. These nameless environmentalists have all but ruined ranching in the western states but it's not politically correct, in the opinion of the media, to ever name them. Not to be satisfied until all liberties are gone, the busybody 'do-gooders' are the worst offenders however. Due to their efforts, it is now politically correct to outlaw anything that might claim a victim... however few. Since in jeopardy now is the last remnants of excitement and fun, Americans look to Mexico as the last safe haven. While groups have always tried to impose their will on society, even since the days of the Roman Empire, but political correctness is a powerful new contrivance at their disposal. As a propaganda tool, a popularized sentiment and consensus can be whipped up whereby majority rule can be imposed. It can happen through voter mandates as was the case with Arizona's proposition 203 in 2006. Yet, majority rule has proven itself an unreliable instrument of justice for centuries. Posing a continual threat to minority interests, majority rule has often (historically) been referred to as the 'tyranny of the majority'. As if a tyrant itself, majority rule is capable of tyrannical cruelty. With majority rule, constitutions become meaningless. Recognized ages ago that public opinion is malleable, more pliable than a wet noodle often, it is no surprise why it is believed political correctness can fulfill any agenda. With the public left holding the bag as if it's their fault (having adopted a particular line-of-thinking), it's much better than the old-fashioned propaganda techniques which fools nobody anymore. With the public left holding the bag, old-fashioned conspiracies aren't really necessary either... not after seeing how political correctness can do the trick. Corporate advertisers certainly saw the benefits. With the promoted idea people need to pop a pill for everything, despite the long-term ill effects, the drug companies have proven backroom conspiracies aren't necessary. Although their multi-million dollars ad campaigns merely imply political correctness, the implication is bolstered by the willing media who carry the ads. It appears a vote of confidence as does the absence of government intervention. By default, it is political correctness. Yet, manipulating bodily processes unnecessarily with chemical medications equates to an early grave. While success in turning a promoted idea into conventional wisdom can be attributed to good salesmanship, often the result of advocating what is 'cool', a common business tactic, but political correctness not only advocates what is 'cool' but what is 'un-cool'. In other words, while salesmen COULD imply what is 'un-cool', the nature of political correctness says it MUST. As a sales tactic, it is brazen and intellectually insulting. Nonetheless, with the belief the art of persuasion can conqueror all, political correctness can be tailored to fit most any agenda. As most would probably agree, the innocent aspect of political correctness can (and does) alleviate the pain associated with individual sensitivities but typically the devices of man are manipulative and can get out-of-control. Other than for showing respect to the innocent, frankness must prevail otherwise showing support or advocating anything unsanctioned could become a crime (as in aiding and abetting). Wolves, after all, are more apt to attack the unattended sheep. As a prelude to law, as an indication it's coming, would be when defiance of protocol would cost someone their job. Yet, for journalists, that time is already here. While journalism has a noble minority, they walk the unforgiving tightrope of semantics. Flirting with the edges, they know a misstep can ruin their professional career. When the old-style propaganda of World War II became known for what it was, it became ineffective and thus new methods to influence the public were sought. While found, the current means may also be short-lived once it becomes widely know... thus the mind-controlling forms of 'political correctness' should also lose favor. Until then, this battle isn't over and a danger remains. While one's choice of synonyms, what is (or isn't) coolness, and who's in charge of righteousness are some of the issues, it boils down to a fight for individualism. After all, uniqueness and freedom is what made America so great. We shouldn’t let conformism enslave us... and it can. A.O. Kime
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