Political Correctness

I saw this quote on a friend’s Facebook page, "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end." I never respond to things like this, I don’t engage, it never ends well and is just a waste of time. There are always a lot of responses to posts like these, the yee haws, the Amens, the “truer words were never spoken”, I don’t consider any of these well thought out responses, knee-jerk at best.
First of all, the “liberal minority” is no longer the minority. If they were, McCain would be sitting on Pennsylvania Avenue. I think it is really out of touch for Christians, to think everyone thinks and looks like they do, and maybe just a tad bit arrogant. I know there are those people who have the “south will rise again” mentality and sleep with their guns. You can’t argue with that, no need to try. There are also Christians out there who are left leaning, why can’t we all get along?
Secondly, why is a person delusional and irrational just because he doesn't agree with you? I have never understood this way of thinking. But the quotation made me think, which I suppose is a good thing.
I know that people throw the term “politically correct” around like a baseball and I think when we think of it, we feel some kind of right is being taken away or we will have to behave in a way we don’t agree with. Are we straining out a gnat to swallow a camel? (Matt 23)
I walked downstairs this morning and said to my youngest (9) that his Dad was headed to buy a chainsaw and work on his barn. He immediately asked why and I told him to cut down some posts in the barn. He said, Oh good, I thought if you were going to say he was cutting down trees I was going to say “HEY global warming!’ I don’t think I taught him that (sadly), it was probably that unscrupulous mainstream media, darn them! In reality he learned about it in school (yes a public school). I got to thinking, should this bother me? Is he being brainwashed or should I be glad he is concerned about the environment? I remember a conversation my oldest son (23) was having with someone at my home one day. It was during the pre-election time and she said, I don’t really like McCain, but I guess I have to vote for him (because her parents were). He said, you are kidding me... why? She had no answer. I love that my child could think for himself and just expect others to do the same.
It is my choice to not own a gun. Do I think it is terribly irresponsible for a parent to have a gun in the house with a child, sure? Is it my right to tell them they can’t, nope? I can feel good about my choices and know that I am being true to what I believe is best for me.
So is political correctness wrong? Is it something to get all worked up about? Is it bad that we are not offensive to others in our speech or actions? Are our rights to be offensive being taken away?
When I lecture, I cover cultural competence in nursing in all subjects. We discuss how nurses must give non-judgmental care. How we respect other cultures and have to train ourselves in that way. We pull the curtain to insure privacy yes, but for our Muslim patients, we go the extra mile of being sure we pull the curtain the correct way so if a man is walking past, he does not see in the room. Is this too politically correct or is it just common courtesy?
I love the verse in Micah that tells us what God requires of us, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. I think if we can look back on our day and know that we have been merciful and humble, we can feel good. Humility is required, plain and simple. Yee Haw!