Political Correctness: Has Everyone Become Too Sensitive?

Disclaimer: Jumper and trousers were gifted by Pink Clove.

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I wanted to speak on this after one of my favourite YouTuber’s said that she feels she has to be careful about what she says because she doesn’t want to offend anyone. Obviously, that is not a bad thing, no one wants to intentionally harm anyone. however, I feel like political correctness is a conversation that should be had.

I don’t think it’s healthy for us to expect everyone to have the exact same views as each other, which is why I try to take everything I consume with a pinch of salt.

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Political correctness: Someone who is politically correct believes that language and actions that could be offensive to others, especially those relating to sex and race, should be avoided – Cambridge Dictionary

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Has Everyone become Too Sensitive?

It is not a matter of people who have “become too sensitive” it’s that the people who didn’t have a voice or who didn’t have the space to voice their injustices and experiences now how the means to do so on a large scale. I do believe at times nuance isn’t always present in some discussions. however, simply saying that people have become too sensitive can be dismissive and lacks accountability.

We now have the privilege of having a huge amount of information at our fingertips, which can make it difficult to be blissfully unaware, and It can sometimes feel like there is no room to make mistakes with cancel culture on high alert. However, If you are open to learn/unlearn then we should make room for mistakes to be made.

Change Is Uncomfortable, But Necessary

Although change is without a doubt an uncomfortable experience, even for those who are willing to make the changes necessary. The one thing that is consistent throughout history is change, whether it is in the individuals, the policies or our lifestyles, change is inevitable.

There is always going to be push back from others when there is a call for change. Especially if that call for change is being led by those from marginalised groups. For a long time (and still today to some degree) we have lived in a society that has been complicit with very little being heard from minorities. Now we have a large number of people calling for change and it is not just one movement or issue at a time. That in its self can be overwhelming, but we should all be mindful that it is not a personal attack.

Sometimes there is an unfair expectation to get clued up and to do so quickly. When in reality there are so many levels to change within society and it just isn’t possible for change to happen overnight. There is freedom In acknowledging that you cannot know it all, without it being used as an excuse to be disrespectful or dismissive.

Accountability

There is a real sensitivity around the topic of accountability. How do you hold yourself or others accountable? Who decides who is accountable for what?

When we think about accountability there is a lot of finger pointing and confusion. I believe we should all be held accountable for the things we say and do to each other.

Sometimes when a situation doesn’t immediately affect us we tend not to see how it affects others. We should listen to each other more, not for the purpose of debate but so that we can have a better understanding of others. I do believe we may not fully understand, but we can do what we can now in order to create those necessary shifts in society.

What are your thoughts on political correctness? Is it warranted or is it unnecessary?

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