Is There an Alternative to Political Correctness?

Political correctness aims for some very nice results, but its means have a habit of upsetting a lot of people. Might there be an alternative to it? We think there is, and it’s called Politeness.


FURTHER READING

“Political Correctness is, in many ways, an extraordinary and admirable achievement of our age. It involves an acute sensitivity to the suffering of minority groups traditionally overlooked by the dominant forces in society – and a commitment to teasing out examples of adversity in the large but also the small moments of daily life. Its aim is to spread empathy, justice and fairness...”


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CREDITS

Produced in collaboration with:

Nick Hilditch

[AnaCristina-rklg]

When I was growing up, it was called "being kind" and "being respectful".

[bens]

"Politeness is gently taught." <--- This should be the primary focus of any proposed alternative to political correctness.

[PSASitch]

You shouldn't assume that political correctness is always coming from a positive place. Too many use political correctness a weapon to gain power or to feel justified in attacking others. And also as an emotional shield so an individual can feel justified in their anger despite their economic or first world privilege. An excuse for the individual problems in their life.

[TheBurg]

Politically correct language is disengenuous. It is used to veil true thoughts and feeling for fear of making someone upset. Additionally, it's acute attention on historical oppression never lets wounds close and healing begin. It continues to live on ripping open the divides because without it, it wouldn't exist. You are spot on with politeness being the alternative. While being respectful of everyone, you can still feel like you can be genuine with people.

[ChuggieBoon]

Does anyone in this comment section understands that this video is saying "Don't be PC, just be polite". I feel like nobody understands.

[AGD_]

That disabled woman is a fraud. She just gets up and starts walking around at the end of the video.

[katiesjg]

how about today when i called a beige piece of fabric "skin colour" was that impolite? i'm not racist, i just never got into the habit of avoiding the term "skin colour" when referring to beige. but damn was my classmate offended.

[ChatMulticolore]

Love this ! It's like when I was struggling with vegetarianism, don't tell yourself "You can't have it" (talking about meat) tell yourself "You can have it but you don't want to"

[linky]

Is this video just a polite way of saying 'don't be a dick?

[Houfaaa]

I feel like a huge amount of commentors didn't pay a lot of attention to the video at all. At no point does it glorify political correctness. An alternative concept, that of “politeness”, is presented, which relies less on guilt and it being mandatory.

So please stop being so buttblasted.

[Greenkrieg]

I feel like most people are misunderstanding the point of this video. Because of both the right and left the term political correctness has bad connotations to it. The video instead tries to get you to focus on the intent of political correctness. Being polite and empathetic to all people, the hardest being those that are different than yourself. I feel like people need to go back to kindergarten and learn some simple lessons. Treat others how you wish to be treated.

Would you want someone to make negative assumptions about you based solely on how you look? No, so don't do the same to others. Would you want someone calling insulting names or using hateful language towards you? No. If you were having a hard time in your life and struggling would you want people putting you down and saying just because of the way you look you deserve it? NO.

Open your eyes to those around you and be polite and kind to everyone. Be respectful and treat others how you would want others to treat you.

[Washu]

2000 or so years ago a man taught that it would be nice if we were nice to each other and they nailed him up.

[titofreud]

being politicaly correct censors truth sometimes.

[sahilhanda]

Is there an alternative to political correctness? *Yes.* It's called telling the truth and always looking to question your own beliefs. That is how moral progress occurs; self-reflection, responsibility, and integrity. Politeness is great and striving for kindness is essential, but we must not allow them to blind us from problematic ideas, wherever they may come from.

[BigPogger]

The sad thing about these comments, is that it seems like most people didn't watch the video. They just came here becouse they saw political corectness and their buzzer went off. Guys, watch the video, then comment, it's about being polite not being politicaly correct.

[peacewillow]

i couldn't agree more. thank you for this video.
the biggest problem with political correctness, in my opinion, is the fact that it doesn't change what's in a person's heart, it only restricts how they act, if it even does that.
politeness, on the other hand, can transform lives, simply because recognizing the connectedness of all life and helping others gives even the most cynical among us a warm, fuzzy feeling.

[see]

I will always try to be a respectful, polite person. But I will never give up my beliefs, moral codes and ideas to make some political group, that doesnt even care about me, feel "better" and "safer".

[filipm]

You can call out the elephant in the room while being polite, but more often that not, you can't while being politically correct. Politeness is a vastly older and better concept everybody should return to. (don't mix up politeness with chivalry, the latter often comes as a set of rules that you have to follow without understanding why, being way less egalitarian than politeness)

[benhayunga]

The alternative to political correctness is called honesty. PC isnt honesty. Just be fucking honest.

[Basil__]

This is a really good, non-bias video; I'm glad you guys were able to tackle such a complex and heated topic so well.