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18
Feb
2018
Somehow, political correctness has morphed into political incorrectness. It has become wrong to be right.
Consider Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. During an open house gathering in Edmonton, early in February, he suggested that a woman refer to “peoplekind” rather than “mankind” -- “because it’s more inclusive,” Trudeau explained.
It was a good-natured exchange. The speaker laughed and agreed. The audience applauded.
But commentators on three continents ridiculed Trudeau for wanting to use “politically correct” language. Among them, of course, was Donald Trump’s favourite network, Fox News.
Don’t we get it yet? “Politically correct” language is not a fad. It’s the way we learn and change. The ideas, the concepts -- and yes, the prejudices -- lodged in our brains do not, will not, change until we learn to use different words to express them.
Categories: Sharp Edges
Tags: politically correct, Justin Trudeau, Julie Payette, science, Governor General