So often I hear people complain about this generation being “too politically correct.” Whether it is old men complaining about how weak kids these days are, or someone posting on Facebook about the “over-sensitive millennials,” I can’t seem to get away from this idea that being politically correct makes me somehow too sensitive, or less strong than those who are not. But I refuse to believe that. I believe being politically correct shows strength and compassion, not weakness or stupidity.
To be politically correct is to avoid using language or measures that may offend or disadvantage others. This does not mean that I am walking on eggshells everywhere I go or that I am afraid to voice a controversial opinion. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I find that because I am conscious of those around me and pay attention to the needs and cultures of others, my world is expanded. As a result of this, my passions and opinions grow with my knowledge of the world.
Being respectful and compassionate does not make me weak, it makes me strong. It is so easy to condemn a person for being different than you, or to brush off opinions that are different than you own. It is so simple to ignore people who ask you to change your actions or to change your speech just because you are too lazy to open your mind or step into someone else’s shoes. That is taking the easy way out. Being politically correct does not take away your rights, it simply ensures that others are granted their rights. Respecting someone else and opening your mind to a new way of looking at the world will make your personal world better and bigger. And allowing yourself to grow from the experience will make you stronger, not weaker.
When an entire group of people ask for something so simple as a mascot change because it is a symbol of their oppression, or when someone asks to be allowed to wear a symbol of their religion in a public place without ridicule, they are not asking you to join their religion or believe everything they believe or sacrifice anything. What they are asking is for respect. All it takes is a little selflessness and understanding. The fact of the matter is that it is absolutely no trouble for you to call someone Karen instead of Ken, or for you to not wear a headdress. All you have to do is be an adult who can show respect and common human decency.
So put on your big boy, girl, or gender-non-conforming pants and stop whining about people being kind and respectful of others. Being politically correct does not make anyone weak; it makes everyone stronger.