The PC Revolution
by: Rob Chapman-Smith ‘10Political correctness cripples our national discourse and makes pettiness newsworthy
PC has changed the world. No, I am not referring to the personal computer, but rather that other PC, political correctness. Individuals that societies anoint as leaders and role models must always be wary of saying particular words, phrases, and generalities. Uttering politically incorrect expressions often unleashes the whirlwind of modern media, the violent unrelenting twister of 24-hour cable news channels, twitters, blogs, and Youtubes videos. Political gaffes and blunders are nothing new, but the digital age and the easy access to information has made the political gaffe more costly, simply because the gaffe never disappears.
Political correctness is unmatched in its ability to deliver humorous situations. In politics, few things are funnier than watching an overtly cautious politician tiptoe through the minefield of reporter’s questions after having stepped over the PC threshold. Senate majority leader and Democratic whip Harry Reid (D-NV) is the latest politician forced to tap-dance around potentially explosive questions and remarks.
Game Change, a new book about the 2008 presidential campaign, accuses Sen. Reid of saying several politically incorrect things about Pres. Barack Obama. Most of the controversy centers on Reid’s description of Obama as “light-skinned” and “with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.” The internet and cable news shows are aflutter with discussions about Sen. Reid’s racially insensitive remarks. Some of Sen. Reid’s political rivals even suggest the Nevada Senator step down from his post. Democrats, however, are not too keen on that suggestion. The Democrats attempt to sweep Reid’s remarks under the rug points to a bigger problem with political correctness and PC’s growing importance in society.
Remember Don Imus and his nappy-headed hoes? How could you forget? The Imus controversy dominated the news cycle for what seemed like weeks. Al Sharpton and his crusaders for political correctness marched and protested outside Don Imus’ studio, demanding that the network reprimand Imus for his unbridled rhetoric. To no one’s surprise, Al Sharpton has not so much as lifted a finger to point and chastise Sen. Reid for the comments the Senator made about Obama. But one has to believe that if a Republican had been quoted as saying these words about Obama, the PC machine would be in full swing, calling for an apology and for Sen. Reid’s resignation.
There are many problems with political correctness as an ethic, but the most aggravating aspect of PC and politics in general is how relative and flimsy its ethical principles are in practice. Republicans only apply rules to Democrats and Democrats only apply rules to Republicans. Remember Monica Lewinski? How could you forget? Bill Clinton and the blue dress dominated the news cycle for months. Republicans love to throw platitudes against the wall of American media. Occasionally something sticks. The “family values” kick has been around for decades, but Clinton and his infidelity gave the Republican value new use. The Republicans demonized Clinton for his relationship with Lewinski. Clinton brought “shame” to the White House. But as this past decade has shown, Clinton is not the only handsy politician. Self-described born again Christians have been caught with hands in someone else’s cookie jar. What has been the Republican party-line defense? “It’s a private matter and none of your damn business!” You have to love hypocrisy.
The same Republicans calling for Sen. Reid’s resignation also cried foul when Democrats complained about Rush Limbaugh’s “Barack the magical negro” song. The Democrats defending Reid are the same who lambasted Rush for playing the tune on the radio. This type of relativism devalues American politics. The only time politicians “stick to their guns” is when politicians aim those guns at political adversaries.
My biggest beef with PC and the controversies it brings concerns political correctness’ domination of the news cycle. Important issues are cast aside because some politician clumsily refers to a “Negro dialect” or is discovered to have slept with some intern. Last time I checked, America is involved in two costly wars (with a third brewing in Yemen), owes China more money than should be legally allowed, and has a wholly inadequate public education system. Real problems exist, yet we focus on the exposés that political correctness brings forth. Political correctness has clearly evolved into Masochistic American Cautiousness (MAC), masochistic because it diverts attention from the real issues, thus causing harm to America. Politicians do not discuss issues freely for fear of stepping on a PC landmine. Together, MAC and PC can destroy our political systems of operation. Who cares what Harry Reid says about Obama? Is it important?
Americans expect politicians to be perfect. Single character flaws and slippages are blown out of proportion. Is Harry Reid an idiot for what he said? Yes. Does he deserve to be ousted from office because of it? No. If Republicans want Harry Reid ousted, then they should focus on the monstrosity of a health care package that he just muscled through the Senate. The news media should do the same. If it wants to discuss Senator Reid, focus on the legislation he has passed. Let TMZ.com cover the gossip.
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