Political correctness (PC) is confusing. It can be positive or negative. On a personal level, we know that if we communicate with respect, people are more likely to listen to us. If that is PC, count me in.
More often we hear about PC in a political context. In response to objections about something said or depicted, candidates and supporters often reply that people are being PC and overly sensitive. Maybe. Maybe not. If PC prevents (don’t go there!) a needed conversation then it’s a problem. Pressure groups are always looking for an opportunity to make a point. Campaigns will seek political advantage of an opponent’s ill-disposed event or comment.
You and I should apply a common-sense, reasonable-person standard. What was said or depicted? Were objectionable images, euphemisms or code words about specific communities utilized? Does the individual’s pattern of behavior suggest that the objections are likely accurate? Does the incident have a plausible explanation? If what has been said or depicted seems atypical of the candidate or supporter, then a reasonable person should remind themselves of the theme song of the movie “Frozen” and “Let It Go.”
