Politically correct

Definitions

• conforming to a belief or ideology
  To describe language, behavior, or policies that are intended to avoid offending or discriminating against any particular group of people

• insincere or overly cautious
  To describe language or behavior that is used to avoid controversy or offense, often at the expense of honesty or clarity

Examples of Politically correct

• In our company, we strive to create a work environment that is politically correct, free from any form of prejudice or discrimination.

  Here, "politically correct" is used to describe a company's policy of promoting equality and avoiding actions or statements that may offend certain groups of people based on their beliefs, race, gender, or other characteristics.

• During the job interview, the candidate was politically correct in her statements, avoiding any comments that could be construed as prejudiced or insensitive.

  Here, "politically correct" is used to describe a person's ability to express themselves in a way that is sensitive to others' opinions and beliefs, without causing offense or disrespect.

• The author's use of politically correct language in her novel drew criticism from some readers, who felt it lacked authenticity and originality.

  Here, "politically correct" is used to describe language that conforms to the prevailing standards of political correctness, but may lack the richness, depth, and nuance of more authentic and original expressions.

• The politician's statement was politically correct, but it failed to address the root causes of the problem and provide any meaningful solutions.

  Here, "politically correct" is used to describe a statement that avoids controversy or offense, but may lack substance, originality, or intellectual rigor. It implies that the statement is more focused on avoiding controversy than addressing the underlying issues.

• In order to make our workplace more diverse and inclusive, we must ensure that our language is politically correct. For example, instead of saying "you guys," we should say "you all" to include individuals of all genders.

  This usage of "politically correct" refers to language and actions that are sensitive and respectful to people from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. It is a response to historical and current oppression against marginalized communities, aiming to promote equality, justice, and social change. However, some criticize politically correct language as restrictive and overly rigid, as it can limit freedom of expression and true communication.

Conclusion

The term "politically correct" can have both a positive and negative connotation. On one hand, it can refer to a genuine effort to be inclusive and respectful of others. On the other hand, it can also be used to criticize language or actions that seem insincere or overly cautious. Overall, the term is often used in discussions about language and behavior in relation to social and political issues.

Origin of "Politically correct"

The term "politically correct" originated in the mid-20th century in the United States. It was initially used in leftist political circles to describe language or behavior that was in line with a particular political ideology. Over time, the term gained broader usage and became associated with efforts to avoid offending or discriminating against specific groups of people. The term has since become a topic of debate, with some praising its focus on inclusivity and others criticizing it as overly restrictive. Examples of discussions about "politically correct" language can be found in debates about diversity, equality, and representation in media and education.