We live in a world that we claim is free. We are blinded by
our own desire to be psychologically separated and yet we biologically,
historically, politically and economically grow closer to the other. Today,
every step we take, move we make and vow we break the lives of the people
around us are positively or adversely affected and at times even have the power
to alter the course of history.
But as our search for being aloof and disconnected draws us
into the virtual world and empowers us with qualities we could only dream off,
in reality we become weaker by the day. Not wanting to harm another and yet
live the lives we dream and desire has led to the creation of a politically
correct society.
Being Politically Correct is a phenomenon that once
restricted itself to the drawing boards of many an office atmosphere where
colleagues and supervisors choose to stay aloof from decision making or moments
of truth so as to avoid being seen in the wrong light and inadvertently kill,
once highly prized notion called “the
risk taker”. Now its so vied that people across the spectrum of life have
not just used its qualities but morphed it to suit their whims like a mask
tailored to a particular face.
Being “Politically
Correct” does not serve any constructive purpose. It provides an escape
route to the weak who simply can’t handle the truth. It bargains for time by working
in grey areas allowing the person in question to feel the mood of his opponent
by choosing his words carefully and quickly changing his goalposts without
being detected so that the opponent mostly sees him in good light. It is often
misused to represent the qualities associated with losing face but rather it’s
a cunning way to alter situations without creating enemies.
It is said that a diplomat’s job is to think thrice and do
nothing but in this case saying nothing or choosing the most appropriate words
that could best steer the communicator from possible controversies is making
the everyday man a diplomat! But though this may have its benefits where
unnecessary problems are avoided, it also has its downfalls.
People today, are becoming hyper sensitive to terminologies
and often, being politically correct can be viewed as the scapegoat and
catalyst to intensify the emotion rather than understand and solve the problem
at hand. Instead of being brave and solving a dispute, people find solace in
feigning ignorance and pushing stuff under the carpet. These comfort zones are
so enticing that if made a religion they would have the largest number of
followers the world over. People who are diplomatic and careful in what they
say have the burden of knowing whats at stake and that the longevity of the
problem will depend on their actions alone. They risk being perceived as
impersonal and often as cowards who choose to hide behind terms and
technicalities to digress the situation rather than solving a problem that
could increase productivity.
So when we look back at this concept we realize that being
politically correct is both a boon and a bane to the individual who possess it.
If used intelligently it can end wars but if used callously it can generate
them!
There has to be proper guidelines and limits as to when,
where and how we can use this concept and that the same should be used
appropriately and not as an answer to whimper behind our own inabilities. Its
time we breakdown the Alice and Wonderland imagination w have of the world and
see her for who she truly is.
