Why being 'politically correct' needs an urgent makeover.

Being ‘politically correct’ seems to be one of the most unfashionable decisions you can make these days.

To quote Mean Girls (arguably THE best film of all time) “it’s social suicide”.

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Why (and how) is it that having respect for others, and being conscious of prejudice, has become a bad thing?

Naturally, I must blame Donald Trump for all of this (not really, but kind of).

Trump, Pauline Hanson and Sonia Kruger have amassed public support for their commitment to ‘authenticity’ and being politically incorrect.

They see political correctness as a restriction on their right to have an opinion.

They see the movement as prolonging inequality by dividing us into groups, rather than just treating everyone the same.

So many use the term ‘political correctness’ to suggest mainstream society is determined to dampen freedom of speech and restrict free thought.

I don’t see it that way at all.

I see the (for want of a better term) ‘political correctness movement’ as stemming from the incredible advancements in the human rights of women, indigenous people, African Americans, the LGBTQI community, immigrants, people of faith, people with disabilities and mental illness.

These are historic achievements made by humans and should be celebrated by all of us.

However, in many circles, it seems preferable to be a bit sexist, racist or homophobic because being politically incorrect is often met with laughter. It’s ‘cool’, it’s a bit ‘carefree’ not to care about that straighty-180 stuff.

Many thought criticism of Sonia Kruger’s comments on The Today Show earlier this year was a sign that political correctness had gone too far. Post continues below.

I have something to say to these people. Political correctness is not a form of censorship.

Being ‘politically correct’ means we are conscious of the discrimination and prejudice faced by certain groups of people.

It means that it’s not okay for you, or anyone you know, to be called a slut, fag, whore, wog, n***a, retard, fat or one of any number of the plethora of offensive slurs derived from ignorance and xenophobia.

This idea seems totally foreign to the Australian politicians who support relaxing the restrictions around hate speech in section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.

Honestly, who is sitting around thinking: ‘The government must change the law so I can be more: racist/homophobic/sexist/of a wanker?’ NO ONE IS THINKING THAT!

Let’s reclaim ‘political correctness’. Being P.C. needs a P.R. makeover!

Political correctness is “so fetch” and we must make it happen!

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