http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-rodriguez23-2009nov23,0,5458020.column
Opinion
Ft. Hood and the bugaboo of 'political correctness'
Look deeper at a killer and what do you usually find? An angry, crazy person.
Gregory Rodriguez
November 23, 2009
In March, commentator Glenn Beck suggested that Michael McLendon, the man who killed 10 people in the worst rampage in Alabama history, might have been "pushed to the wall" because he felt "silenced" by political correctness. (Conservatives, in particular, he said, are afraid to speak up because "you're called a racist.")
Ten years ago, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich blamed the infamous Columbine High School massacre -- in which teenagers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered 13 people and injured 21 others -- on the cultural contamination caused by decades of "political correctness" that "undermined the core values in American history." He said the two teenagers probably never realized they were robbing their victims of the "inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" because their teachers never taught them about the Constitution.
Let's face it, ever since the term was brought into popular usage in the 1990s, political correctness has been a convenient bête noire for conservatives. The PC label makes fun of the absurdities of the self-righteous liberal language police, and the right has done a bang-up job of spreading it around.
But the joke congealed into something nastier. Political correctness is not a powerful and deadly force, as prominent right-wing commentary would have us believe. But the term has become a kind of code for an essentially racial struggle over what it means to be American.
Take the three examples above of conservatives blaming mad violence on political correctness. In each case, those wielding the term are arguing that "Americans" have either been hamstrung in their ability to root out the bad guys (Ft. Hood), or have been induced to become bad guys themselves (Columbine and Alabama) by a PC regime that contaminated their heritage. But who are these Americans whose heritage and hands have been so tightly bound?
To answer that, it helps to remember why and how the culture of political correctness emerged. At best, the term refers to the active avoidance of expressions or actions that could exclude or offend minorities. It was this "soft" political correctness that led to our generally harmless acceptance of ethnic labels such as Native American in place of Indian, gender-neutral terms such as firefighter in place of fireman, and generally made members of the majority (i.e. white Americans) aware that not all Americans thought alike.
At worst, political correctness became an attempt to limit language, ideas and what was acceptable in public debate or conduct. Campus advocates have bullied or sought to silence those with opposing views. Oversensitive cultural watchdogs have encouraged stilted, self-conscious interactions -- between races, classes, genders or any minority group and the majority -- presumably to ensure that nobody was ever offended, not one tiny bit. Finally, and this may apply to the case of Maj. Nidal Hasan, workplace and legal regulations have made some bosses feel they could not fire even unsatisfactory minority employees for fear of being accused of discrimination.
For good or ill, political correctness was a response to the rapid diversification of the U.S. population and the perceived need to induce the majority population -- whites, or often more precisely white males -- to take into account the sensitivities and self-definitions of minorities of all kinds. That means the Americans who are considered to be victims of political correctness are members of the white majority. And the revolt against everything PC is driven by a sense that whites have bent over backward for -- and even sold out mainstream culture to -- minorities.
But is that true? Do blacks, women, Latinos, Native Americans or handicapped people, for that matter, have the United States in their proverbial pockets? Are the actions and lives of white people at large really impinged and shaped by the demands of these minority groups?
We do have an African American president, but can we even say members of that minority and others disproportionately hold seats of political or economic power in the country? White supremacist groups would say yes, but I don't think even Glenn Beck or Newt Gingrich would agree.
To be sure, the hazards of political correctness are not merely a figment of the right's imagination. In the case of Hasan, it may be that his problems and proclivities were ignored because his superiors feared they'd be accused of discrimination against a Muslim. And it's possible that his dangerous actions and behaviors were shrugged off as a matter of cultural sensitivity, or to provide the military with more strategic diversity.
But however PC things were during the major's career, what went wrong with him and the system surely can't be reduced to one bugaboo; it is deeper, broader and more complicated than that.
In any case, as conservatives should know, political correctness doesn't kill people -- angry, crazy people do.
grodriguez@latimescolumnists.com
Political correctness is described as avoidance of expressions or actions, as well as language that is acceptable for public debate. These statements must be shaped to certain political views and standards. Although this emphasis and encouragement for the use of political correctness can be quite upsetting and discouraging, it is no where near an excuse for murder. Although America stresses that we are the nation that is free, the simple fact is that freedom of speech is not permitted.
ReplyDeleteConsidering people can receive harsh punishments, as a result of speaking their minds in offensive ways to officers and political figures, demonstates we are not a free nation. Though political correctness is strongly stressed and encouraged, many choose to freely express themselves. People that kill as a result of their inabilty to expresss themselves or as a result of the so-called "political correctness" demonstrates that they have psychological problems that goes further then just expressing themselves.
I agree with Rodriguez, political correctness does not kill people-- angry, crazy people do. Many people feel stripped away from their freedom of expression and their pressure to limit language or ideas, but normal people do not murder others as results of it, they think of solutions to the problem. Political correctness is just another excuse and false solution to a psychological problem that these murderers have, and another means of justification for them.
-Lorina Kegler
The article stated that, "In the case of Major Nidal Hasan, it may be that his problems and proclivities were ignored because his superiors feared they'd be accused of discrimination against a Muslim." This quote is expressing the meaning behind Hasan's superiors' choice to not mention his progressing problems. Their fear of a discrimination charge was the factor that kept Hasan's superiors' worries out of the public eye.
ReplyDeleteConservatives have been blaming political correctness for more than a decade, and finally somebody believes us. Hasan is a perfect example of a victim of political correctness. He portrayed all of the necessary warning signs, and yet his superiors still neglected to mention any of them. If political correctness would have been acknowledged as a vital cause of American massacres, this entire incident could have been prevented. If those stubborn Liberals would have listened to us in the 1990s, when this term first started circulating amongst Americans, we would have 13 more valuable Americans to count in our 2010 census.
According to Gregory Rodriguez opinion editorial, "political correctness" is the active avoidance of expressions and actions that could exclude or offend minorities. In other words, it is politically correct to ignore the feelings of minorities. For some reason, I was unable to connect with this definition and I was quite disturbed because I couldn't understand how you could have the words avoid and exclude in the same sentence with correct. Unfortunately, those words do not fit together in any way shape or form.
ReplyDeleteRodriguez argues that political correctness doesn't kill people, angry people do. Which is true, but what is the ammunition and what's (in this case because it isn't a person) held responsible? This deal of political correctness is not only cruel and unjust but it fuels the fire and ignites conflict. All problems start from somewhere, no matter how small and evolve into something bigger than what it normally had to be. It could start from something simple like avoiding the expressions that offend a minority and then you have a mass killing of teenage kids all because they don't want to be ignored. Although I'm using this as an example, I am not justifying that murder is accepted because it clearly isn't and in this case extreme but expected. My argument is simply stating that the problem could have been easily, as the politically correct would say "avoided".
"Political Correctness" would have to be excluded and avoided in my book due to the fact that its inconsiderate of others which I believe to be politically incorrect.
Depending on what circumstances, I don't think murder can be correct, but there can be reason for murder. Murdering someone, is taking the life of another person but in some cases people are put in the predicaments when their forced to take someone elses life to protect their own. Would I necesarily call is politically correct, no, I'm not quite sure what to call it. If my life were in jeopardy, I would. have to protect myself by all means.
ReplyDeleteIn the article it was said that, “Ten years ago, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich blamed the infamous Columbine High School massacre -- in which teenagers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered 13 people and injured 21 others -- on the cultural contamination caused by decades of "political correctness" that "undermined the core values in American history." He said the two teenagers probably never realized they were robbing their victims of the "inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" because their teachers never taught them about the Constitution.”
ReplyDeleteBecause these two students were not able to learn about the constitution due to the teachers lack of teaching they did not learn that each victim they murdered "inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". This massacre was blamed on cultural contamination caused by decades of "political correctness" that weakened important values in American History.
Although, these students were not taught the constitution they no right from wrong. Mr. Gingrich blamed the "political correctness" that weakened important values in American History, when really the students should be the blame. Who are they to kill 13 and injure 21 of their peers just because they were not taught the constitution. I’m sure they were taught non violence and that killing is wrong. In Pre School and as a young child you are taught to keep your hands to yourself and if there is any conflict between you and another child tell and adult or teacher, don’t take matters in your own hand. Not knowing the constitution had no right for that to be the blame, the blame should be on them and their parents for not enforcing non violence, because they probably grew up thinking violence is the key to solving their problem.
- Tara Harris.
Political correctness is the active avoidance of using certain phrases, colloquialisms, or expressions to prevent offense to a particular group, in this case a minority.However positive the intentions behind using language of political correctness may be, it's usage continues to upset individuals. However, it is not for the sole fact that political correctness limits language; In my opinion, it makes little to no difference to a particular minorirty that the White majority has finally "taken into account the sensitivities and self-definitions of minorities of all kinds" after countless years of racism that has been targeted towards these particular minorities by White Supremists.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, people may find an even bigger insult from individuals that are trying to be "politically correct" than those who are not. To some even the usage of politically correct terms can be tinged with hate and malice, wrapped in a facade of so called correctness. Political correctness can be an influential reason for acts such as murder, but ulitimately murder is physically executed through angry people, not ideas, such as poltical correctness.
In this editorial article, Gregory Rodriguez quoted that the reason for the Ft. Hood massacre was because of political correctness and that Michael McLendon was quoted saying that he did the massacre due to "being silenced" and "conservatives are afraid to speak up because you're called a racist." I fully disagree with the whole quote and also the reason for the Columbine massacre was because of the students not knowing the "rights of life, liberty, an the pursuit of happiness" from the constitution.
ReplyDeleteI disagree because I wonder why should the reason of the Columbine massacre be due to the two killers lack of knowledge of the constitution and because of
this, they were able to not know that they were taking innocent students and faculties rights. I also want to know why should the Ft. Hood massacre be
blamed because conservatives are afraid to speak up and that they are the victims in the incident. I believe that the political correctness statement from the conservatives is just a way to blame liberals for the problems because conservatives already have enough problems on their party or ideas.
Since this is the US as in United States, we shouldn't blame each other and divide what is already a divided country, but instead we should use this incident from Ft. Hood and the Columbine massacres as an example to try and Unite our country and try to fix the problems so that it wouldn't happen again.
To be politically correct means to show an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. It often involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone. To me the whole mission of the PC movement is a joke. If anything, being politically correct in some instances just causes more problems in our country especially. I agree with Mr. Rodriguez's assessment that it limits what people will say. It gives certain people the right to silence others view points and ideas in order to hold up another set precedent.
ReplyDeleteEveryone in caught up in a cycle and no one wants to choose a side because they may look bad. They tip toe around some issues and never truly get to what the heart of a problem is.
And since when have the white majority "bent over backwards" for minorities. That is one of the most blatant fallacies I've ever heard. Caucasians may give up some of their resources so that we may live better but I don't see them going out of their way for the betterment of the minority races. If anything they perpetuate our lack of knowledge and lower status, because they enjoy being the top of the food chain. The whole idea of political correctness is just a cover up for what most of the majority really feel. But i don't blame them, they've got to look good some way. I don't care about your sensitivity, tell me the truth so that I can change your mind.
Political correctness is a term used for the avoidance of ideas, policies, and behavior to minimize social offense in gender, race, culture, handicap, sexual preference etc. There have been many instances where conservatives have tried to blame violent acts on political correctness. They claim that because people feel "pushed to the wall" and “silenced” they commit crimes to express their feelings.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this is a ludicrous statement that holds minimal truth. “Political correctness doesn't kill people -- angry, crazy people do” This quote epitomizes my belief on the issue at hand. Sure they may commit these crimes with the intent of expressing their ‘silenced’ feelings, but it is a sociopathic disorder that makes them murder, not a feeling of being ‘pushed to the wall’ If that was the case than any time one of these victims of political correctness were silenced by authority, or not given a right to express their opinions, they would murder to get their point across. I don’t believe that this is the case. Political correctness is in no way, shape, or form an excuse for murder or any other form of violent protest. It is an excuse that conservatives use as a crutch to justify horrendous acts.
-Joseph Fiddmont
The article states "political correctness doesn't kill people -- angry, crazy people do." Conservatives blame mad violnce conducted by humans on politcal correctness. However it is not the politcal correctiong that cause these people to commit murders. It is the anger built inside of them that causes them to kill.
ReplyDeleteIgnorance of the law does not justify ones actions to commit brutal crimes.On rare occasions ones actions can be influenced by another source, but the majority of the time, it is the person's deep dark desire to commit these acts. To blaim politcal corrections on violence is taking away the fault of the individual , who no longer seems like the prosecuter, but more so the victim. Conservatives are just finding another "person" to place the blame on.
-Ayrica Sawyer
The article addresses the issue of whether or not “cultural contamination caused by decades of "political correctness" ” was the driving force behind several incidents of horrific violence such as the Columbine and Ft. Hood massacres; a claim often touted by conservatives. Political correctness is described as a movement aimed at “avoiding expressions or actions that could exclude or offend minorities”, but with, as some would claim, the adverse result of impinging upon mainstream culture, namely white males. I
ReplyDeleteThe claim that political correctness can be damaging does have some merit, in a system which seeks to limit any and all “offensive” behaviors, someone’s opinions, and possibly rights, are bound to be stifled. But frustration with the system aside, there’s not an adequate justification for mass murder. Therefore conservatives, who might very well be correct in their crusade against political correctness, still cannot cite the actions of angry crazies as proof of such.
To be politically correct means to show an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. Especially when involving gender, race, or ethnic background. However, being politically correct can be taken to an extreme and silence peoples voices.
ReplyDelete"In the case of Major Nidal Hasan, it may be that his problems and proclivities were ignored because his superiors feared they'd be accused of discrimination against a Muslim." Major Nidal Hasan's superios were so scared of not being politically correct, they refused to accuse the muslim of being a terrorist because they thought they would be viewed as racist. But by trying to make sure that they were politically correct, they silenced their opinion and cost 13 people there lives. Now im not saying being politically correct is a bad thing, but everything in life needs moderation. Being sensative to peoples race, religion, or sexuality is the morally just thing to do, but if a few peoples feeling have to get hurt to save lives, by all means go right ahead.
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ReplyDeletePolitical correctness is simply an excuse 'angry, crazy people' use to try and clarify events such as the Ft. Hood massacre. There is no logical explanation for killing 10 people in a merciless rampage because a man felt 'silenced' by political correctness, for fear of being labeled as racist. I, personally, would much rather be falsely accused of being racist than being truthfully convicted of mass murder.
ReplyDelete'At worst, political correctness became an attempt to limit language, ideas and what was acceptable in public debate or conduct.' Even if this is so, one should never resort to murder as if that IS acceptable. It is now clear that feeling 'pushed to the wall' by political correctness is just something angry, crazy people hide behind to try to justify their rash behaviors and actions.
Since when was murder 'politically correct' if not extremely irrational? "I didn't want to talk about this group of people because I would be labeled as racist. Of course, the solution is to kill them all! The Conservatives will have my back, right?"
Wrong.