[tomlock]

> A full 80% [of US] believe that “political correctness is a problem in our country.” … The woke are in a clear minority across all ages. … Progressive activists are the only group that strongly backs political correctness: Only 30% see it as a problem.

This is because the definition of "political correctness" is different from person to person. It conveniently drifts so people can think they're against some common problem when in reality some people use it to veil homophobia, and others to complain about postmodernism.

It's a convenient term, but useless. You call someone politically correct and they'll say no. You learn nothing about their position, you only get to engage in some petty name calling. Feels good, right? Maybe we should stick to the factual matters, the specifics of what legislation and culture is too "politically correct" for you.

[AlexTWithBeard]

The article explains what is meant by political correctness in this case:

What people mean by “political correctness.” … [is] their day-to-day ability to express themselves: They worry that a lack of familiarity with a topic, or an unthinking word choice, could lead to serious social sanctions for them.

It's about a careless word, a misinterpretation, an honest mistake or as little as stating a fact in a questionable context being able to ruin a person's life.

[escape_goat]

The article explains what the article means by political correctness.

The survey question reported in the so-called "Hidden Tribes" report, from which the article derives its statistics, does not explain what is meant by 'political correctness'. It means whatever the respondent thinks it means.

[cma]

According to that I'd say conservative churches and religious University campuses are the biggest PC things out there.

[tomlock]

> They worry that a lack of familiarity with a topic, or an unthinking word choice

What topic? What word choice?

My point stands.

[AlexTWithBeard]

The article is talking about people using political correctness to bully others. A specific choice of topic and words is not important here.

[tomlock]

Oh but it is, if a choice of words determines if someone is being bullied or not.

[aperrien]

I believe that most of this can be solved with better concept of respect. For myself, I choose not to use words that needlessly incite fear in others, or words that create an environment that makes them fear for their safety, or also needlessly and knowingly makes them feel bad about themselves.

It does seem that respect is lacking more and more these days.

[nkurz]

I think you are right that few people self-describe as "politically correct". Could you suggest a short alternative phrase that would improve Hanson's article? Or do you feel that word-choice aside, the referent itself does not exist?

[tomlock]

Political correctness, as a phrase, does not adequately convey meaning in the same way "common sense" does not.

[AlexTWithBeard]

That's exactly the point: a choice of words should not lead to bullying.

[tomlock]

That's not the point the article is making.

[throwaway2048]

Much like being against "special interests", yeah all the bad ones I hate right on!