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Over the last few years, I have seen, what was initially, a movement to prevent the use of derogatory terms to spread hate or insensitivity, become a minefield of emotionally charged viewpoints, used as a stick to beat anyone who dares to have a different point of view.
It's no longer a question of referring to someone of race, religion or disability, in an offensive way, but an insidious form of censorship, that threatens to undermine the very principles of freedom of speech.
There will always be people who are narrow minded, bigoted and morally questionable, and it's not unreasonable to challenge them to be more respectful, but have we gone far beyond that into some strange form of Orwellian doublespeak?
It's OK to Disagree.
Whilst entering a debate on a political forum, about the topic of Brexit, I stuck my head above the parapet and politely offered my opinion. I was immediately called a 'thicket', a 'remoaner' and an 'inidiot'. I took no offense to someone having an opposing point of view, that's what healthy debate is all about, I did however, question the need to use such derogatory language. Apparently, according to this rather opinionated individual, this made me a 'snowflake'. I left the debate, feelings unhurt, with a quote from Margaret Thatcher (his heroine), ringing in his ears:
My point is, there's a fine line between common courtesy and political correctness. There's no doubt that in this instance, that derogatory language was used with the intent of silencing an opposing point of view, but crying 'hate speech', would have been a complete overreaction, when a little 'witty banter' can be a far more effective way of making a point.
Why Should We Be Worried?
The very thing that was designed to encourage us to show respect for our fellow human beings, has silenced, intimidated and polarised us. The discussion of important issues such as immigration, economic divides, or social responsibility, has become fraught with the possibility of offending someone somewhere.
There is another side effect, that is cause for concern. Take the subject of sexual assault, for example, this is a very serious issue, that must be addressed. But with the media focussing on women, jumping on the band wagon because someone put their hand on their knee, or shoulder, dilutes the importance of more serious cases and trivialises the whole debate until people get tired of hearing it.
Is this simply a cultural trend, exacerbated by the rise of social media putting, what would have previously been, personal opinions, under the microscope of public scrutiny, or is there something more sinister, underpinning this increasingly polarised debate.
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Certainly, when you listen to someone like David Icke, it can seem as though, government shills and agent provocateurs are stirring the pot to keep us distracted and controlled, whilst the press and social media deliberately fan the flames; and he does present a rather compelling argument. He may be a controversial figure, who's theories seem to rather stretch credulity, on certain subjects, but this doesn't mean that everything he has to say should be dismissed out of hand.
He's not alone in this opinion either, you only have to go to YouTube, to find a plethora of discussions by everyone from celebrities, comedians and commentators to pundits, professors and journalists, on the insidious nature of this cultural phenomenon.
Does this mean we are being deliberately manipulated by a controlling elite, into silence and compliance? I don't know the answer to that, but nothing would surprise me these days and its hardly beyond the realms of possibility. It certainly would seem to work in the favour of those who would seek to control us and keep us submissive.
Time was, if you were offended by someone's opinion, then that was just life and you agreed to disagree. These days, the fear of being perceived as prejudiced by our peers, means that, often, important things, that need to be talked about, simply get left unsaid.
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Political Correctness seems to be at odds with Freedom of Speech, and instead of creating a society with respect and tolerance for our differences; allowed to be taken to extremes, it has become another form off oppression, dividing us further and creating the very discord it was designed to prevent.
Are we denying a voice to future generations, by limiting their ability to speak out, through fear of giving offence, or even being offended by an opposing point of view? Or is it more insidious than that? Are we slipping into an Orwellian future, where our personal truths are seen as a threat to the status quo, or a form of political dissidence?
Either way, surely some common sense needs to be brought to bear. After all, respect and courtesy, should be things taught from the cradle, not enforced by an every increasing 'nanny state'. There will always be distasteful elements, but they would gain no ground in an evolved, compassionate society.
What are your thoughts? Is this a natural evolution of modern society or do you think it's a cleverly orchestrated psy op designed to exercise control? Let me know what you think, in the comments below, and as always, thank you for taking the time to read this.
