Politcally Correct: an Absurd Idea

I had a teacher from my home town who was one heck of a guy. I'm almost certain he was (or still is) an alcoholic. He taught me valuable information about writing. He used to tell me, "Damnit (he seemed to like that word), I want you guys to have an opinion. I don't want any politically correct crap. When you write, use he. I know that it refers to both sexes." He would then continue on his normal rant. What he wanted from us was clear and concise writings. To do this, he taught us how to write in simple talk. I learned how to make my writings understandable and interesting.

This story gives you an idea of why I think the way I do. The idea of political correctness fails to register as intelligent for me. Does being a custodial engineer change what a janitor does? Will that janitor feel better about their self because they are a custodial engineer? The answer emanates a no. The first Americans to come here from England had the right idea. This group of people, named the Puritans, thought language should be simple and straight forward. The idea of simple talk allowed them to deal with laws in ways that could never be achieved now. In fact, some of our most famous writers used this style. Such writers are Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. However, our society today loves political correctness. Our politicians, whom are apart of our society, LOVE it.

Politicians befriend a technique called double speak. Double speak means the same thing as political correctness. This technique allows politicians to spin what they say. In the event someone criticizes them, they just shrug it off. They tell their critics that wasn't what they meant. Since their statement was so vague and could be taken two or more ways, that statement becomes believable. This frustrates me. Politicians should be required to use simple speak. A lot of them would lose their jobs if they spoke straight, but at least we would know their motives. People would feel more secure knowing their politician's motives.

Politicians share this problem of double speak with the common civilian or business person. (I say person, by the way, because I respect women). Due to society's sue happy nature, no one can say what they mean. They find it difficult to say things straight forward. They've become so worried about being sued for saying almost anything. Having an opinion seems dangerous now.

So here's what I propose, say what you mean, and then say it loud. When America was declaring it's independence, they didn't say, "Well I think you should consider giving us more liberties to do stuff(instead of rights) and the ability to maybe to as we please (instead of freedom). If that's okay with you England." No they said, "England, you aren't treating us fairly. We declare our independence from you. We reserve and claim our rights and freedom." Clear cut and in the face of danger, they told it straight. So say what you mean, and mean what you say.

To wrap things up, political correctness eats away at our original American spirit. Our politicians utilize it to their advantage. Our country can't change unless we know what our leaders are saying. We need to know in common folk language, not aristocratic propaganda. Our civilians need to speak in straight language. If we want to change this country, the country needs to know exactly how to be changed. Not a wish washy maybe set up and guide line. So I'll say it one more time. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

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