Blurred Lines

Amidst the current state of political turmoil and muddled by the slanted free press, political correctness becomes yet another divisive issue; conservatives claim the sensitivity of society detracts from the common sense while liberals claim the changing language reflects a society of diversity and inclusion. Where do we draw the line?

In November, the American population voted in a demagogue, hailed for not actually being a politician and being able to speak his mind. Criticized for calling women "pigs," immigrants "rapists," and Muslims "terrorists," Trump claims it is an issue of an increasingly politically correct country.  In early February, Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos was forced to cancel his speech at UC Berkeley after violent protesters made it clear his rhetoric violated the principles of inclusion, a form of "intolerance (in the name of tolerance)." Conservatives were outraged by such a limitation of free speech. Liberals said it was not a matter of free speech; rather, it was a limitation on hate speech. The line becomes blurrier and political epithets are thrown across the aisle.

The nature of language should be to fit the message with accuracy and clarity; "let the political chips fall where they may." The "hijacking" of language on both sides of the political spectrum distracts from the severity of the issues at hand. There is no need for worrying about where to draw the line if there is no need for one at all.