It's a funny thing how do-gooders get such a bad press. You would expect people who do good to meet with some approbation. Considering the various terrorist, thugs, vandals, young people, criminals, hooligans, etc who populate the popular media, you would expect people setting out to do good would be a welcome change.
I suppose the sanctimonious or smug are somewhat off-putting but they are at least making an effort. The problem is they do have this habit of telling us all what to do and indeed what to believe.
When I was a child I objected strenuously to being told to say 'please' and 'thank you', these days nearly 50 years on, it seems I am the only one who observes these courtesies. This is what political correctness is in part, the observation of courtesy. What was seen as a somewhat right wing observance, nowadays seems to be the province of the left.
I cannot see what is wrong with avoiding the use of words that cause offence. I admit I sometimes feel the need to draw the line, eg I don't understand what the problem is with 'brainstorm'. Also I maintain 'nitty gritty' has nothing to do with the slave trade, unlike 'mish mash' which does although no-one seems to mind. But despite a few boundary disputes such as these, not giving offence is surely not such a bad thing.
Ah ha you are thinking, this is not about politeness. It is a matter of freedom of speech. Religious freedoms in Britain are rightly precious and were fought for over many centuries, by religious radicals such as John Bunyan, shown here in prison, and sometimes it does look as if political correctness is undermining them. What about those Christians who feel called to denounce homosexuality or preach against Islam? Do they not have a right to do so?
Yes, they do. It has to be better that these views are expressed publicly. It may be painful but rather that than allow these sentiments to go underground. But those Christians who campaign for freedom of speech need to take care. How edifying is it to campaign for the right to express hate? I know some sincerely believe what they're saying is spoken in love. But that is not what many of us are hearing.
These freedoms are essential for another reason. I wish more Christians would campaign for freedom of speech on behalf of the marginalised. Marginalised groups should have access to the media and be able to make their case. Furthermore they should be able to act in solidarity with one another. If this means some smug middle class people annoy a few Christians, so be it.
As Christians we have an obligation to be in solidarity with the marginalised. Furthermore, there is one thing Jesus clearly promises his disciples, persecutions. The special pleading on behalf of Christians, especially in this country where the perceived slights are relatively trivial, does not sit comfortably with our call to live for others.
If political correctness means taking the persecutions meant for others who are marginalised, then we should be all for it.
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