I just read an interesting article by Wong Kim Hoh in today's "Lifestyle" section of the Sunday Times. Before people start proclaiming that ST is propaganda material lol... let me just say that the article was a column written by Wong, reflecting on the nuances of social life.
The article talks about how "a growing number of politically correct people who will chew you up and spit you out if you dare say the wrong thing," which reminded me of an incident which occured at the 2902 gallery, where I just blurted "That's stereotyping" to my photography module teacher when she said that computing students were generally better at numbers haha...
Could I be one of those PCP (politically correct politburo/people)?
After reading the article, I realised why some people like to call arts/social sciences graduates "fluff" machines hahaha... I think it's the way some academic papers are written. These papers often use "cheem" jargon and tiptoe around words and ideas rather than just go straight to the point.
The article cites examples such as:
The Blind = Visually Impaired
Mad People = Mentally Challenged
Blackboard = Chalkboard
I personally find it quite tiring to constantly think of politically-correct terms all the time when having a conversation with someone. It's really quite difficult to be on your toes all the time during a conversation without you being mentally drained at the end of it, especially when you just want to have a good meal.
I quote the article:
"Hawk-eyed and sharp-eared, these zealots wait to pounce and censure anyone who exhibits behaviour or uses words that may upset women, ethnic minorities, homosexuals, the disabled, the overweight, the ugly and even the environment."
Being careful in your choice of words and not getting carried away with stereotyping is good, but having to think of every single word to say to someone (just in case it is at odds with their ideals) is just really really tiring.
Sadly, when one encounters a slip of the tongue and says something politically incorrect (without any malice and not harbouring any prejudice); sometimes he is potentially subject to criticism at an instance.
Perhaps thats why people find it very tiring to talk to arts/social sciences students? (Look at me! I'm stereotyping! wahahaha...)
God did give us a brain to think, and I totally agree that we should use it more often rather than just following instructions blindly, but sometimes, you just really want to sit down and have a good meal. God also gave us one mouth, so just enjoy the food first and chill hahaha...
The discourse can be conducted over drinks later LOL.
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The problem with Wong's article is that as he critiques the politically correct politburo, he himself becomes a member of the group in preaching what he deems to be more politically correct i.e. to call a spade a spade. So who is correct?
That's the thing about arts arguments no? That when you argue against one issue, you realize that you're going round the same circles.
And that's when the authors will aim to reach a temporal balance - I quote:
"I'm all for exercising caution and not getting carried away with stereotyping. But I resent having to mind every word just in case it's at odds with someone's idea of political correctness."
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