POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

I recently was reprimanded strongly about something I said/wrote that was "politically incorrect."  This person was right, although I was not being deliberately racist.  I got involved by passing along what I thought was a harmless little joke that this person considered to have racial under/overtones.  I did not evaluate the joke appropriately for "political correctness" or I would never have passed it along.  I would never offend anyone deliberately without cause.

I want to say that "political correctness" is a good thing in our society; to remind people to avoid hurting others by insensitive remarks.  Since I am a Southerner, I am frequently dealing with preconceived notions and remarks made by Northerners.  Some Northerners, who have never visited or traveled in the South, view us as "rednecks" and we are considered "backwards" in our cultural progression forward.  

I have actually questioned some Northerners regarding their first time visit to the South and have asked them, "Are you surprised at how civilized and cultured we are?  Did you expect all of us to live in shanties, with outhouses and chickens in the backyard?"   Many of the Northerners have laughingly replied, "Yes."

Side bar:  See...my previous remark might offend some hill country people who still live like that and feel as if they have "the right" to live anyway they want. 

I don't usually get hurt by accidental and insensitive remarks...maybe a little frustrated...and try to let these "politically incorrect" and "stereotyping" remarks roll off my back...EXCEPT...when it is deliberately aimed at me.  Then I take offense.

What is supposed to be the basic concept of being politically correct?  Not to offend anyone!  Right?

Don't get me wrong now...when someone is being outright mean and racist, they need to be reprimanded.  Bear with me...my following statement certainly does not fit everyone who tries to be "politically correct"... but I occasionally run into people who are absolutely "dogmatic" about being "politically correct."  It is as if they have "politically incorrect antennas" just waiting to pounce on an insensitive remark.  It always makes me wonder why they are so adamant.  It is as if they are "itching" for a fight to defend someone. 

Let's all "chill out" a bit about this "political correctness" business.  It is giving me a headache!  It has gotten to the point that most of the things we talk or write about would probably offend someone, somewhere, and in some way.   I am confident that I have offended someone with this blog today.  But...I don't mean to offend...I just want to make people THINK, THINK, THINK about the subject.