Opinion: “Political Correctness” is an Offensive Term with Hostile Connotations

Political Correctness. Much like acai bowls and joggers, PC has become one of the biggest fads on college campuses, sweeping the nation in a massive wave. Wait, sorry, not “wave.” That could be a trigger for people who have experienced typhoons, tsunamis, or sunburns while lounging on a beach in the Hamptons. Allow me to reiterate: It’s become popular in many colleges (not that being “popular” is a good thing. Be who you want to be, as long as it doesn’t offend anyone). While I’m very supportive of political correctness and all it aims to achieve and/or stifle, I have one issue with it. And that’s the words “Political” and “Correctness.” Let’s start with the first one, “political.” I don’t like it, and it makes me uncomfortable. Why? I shouldn’t have to answer that, but I will. For starters, it implies that we’re all aware of the political happenings of our world. But newsflash, not everyone has access to a newspaper. Even if they do, not everyone is informed about politics. And they don’t need to be. People can be whoever they want to be, and if that means being passionately uninformed, then power to them. They have my blessing (NOTE: “blessing” does not pertain to any specific religion and/or spiritual belief). Also to consider: any students whose parents identify as ousted political leaders of authoritarian government regimes could potentially be triggered by the word “political.” It’s OK if you’ve used the word in the past, but in the future, please be more considerate. Thanks.

Onto the second one: correctness. It’s hard for me to even type out. I actually took a 30-minute break in a room filled with blankets after typing it. But I’m back, so lets create a dialogue about the Word. What do you mean, “correct”? What are you trying to say? Not every use of political correctness *shivers* is correct. Some of them are entirely false, and that’s entirely fine. Who are YOU to set a precedent for what is and what isn’t correct? Check your privilege.

So, you might be wondering, what phrase should I use to replace “political correctness” without potentially causing mass emotional turmoil and possible anarchy on my local college campus? One option is constitutional flawlessness. But even that can cause some to jump. In all honesty, if you don’t want to offend anyone, a hushed mumble would be a suitable and suppressing substitute.