This term gets a great deal of use.
It’s usually directed at individuals making statements about
controversial issues, and these statements are more often than not directed at
aspects of human behaviour driven by fear, apathy, or plain ignorance.
It’s very easy to apply the “politically correct” label to
any opinion that is inconvenient, or that doesn’t accord with the values and
beliefs of the person using the term as abuse.
I’ll give you an example, dear reader.
I’m a member of a closed group on Facebook inhabited by past
or serving members of a military unit. Generally, opinions expressed are remarkably
consistent, but they are often different from mine.
The same goes with a number of well-patronised blogs whose
themes relate to conservative politics.
Should I venture an opinion which differs from the
mainstream, two things invariably occur.
First, my bona fides are questioned, usually asserting that
I am using someone else’s regimental number. After all, how could I dare to
express such opinions unless I was some kind of agent provocateur?
The fact that my identity is very easily checked seems to
cut no ice at all.
The other frequent result is that I am accused of being
brainwashed at university.
This is pretty bizarre, given that I spent ten years of my
life all up at various universities. Obviously the brainwashing must have been
very effective, because the other fifty-nine years I’ve been around seem to
count for nothing.
It’s boringly predictable, but I continue to be entertained
by this same predictability.
I wish I could back a horse or two as reliable.
No comments:
Post a Comment