Table of Contents
Foreword 11
Introduction 14
Chapter 1 Are We Too Easily Offended by Language?
Overview: Perceptions of the Meaning of "Politically Correct" Have Evolved Over Several Decades 18
The debate over the meaning and significance of the term "political correctness" is hardly new. As the concept has evolved, it has continued to spark discussion and controversy. Jesse Walker
Yes: We Are Too Easily Offended by Language
Political Correctness Impedes the Rights of the Press 22
With an entire generation being raised on safe spaces and trigger warnings, how will the press be affected by journalists who cannot handle uncomfortable situations? Shaheen Pasha
Political Correctness Is Encouraging a "Thought Police" 26
The terrifying concept of "thought policing" has evolved from being a literary trope to an actual practice. Asa J
No: We Are Not Too Easily Offended by Language
Thoughtful Language Is Essential for a Culture of Inclusiveness 35
Those who complain about political correctness turning into the Thought Police need to understand why the PC culture evolved in the first place. Kevin Carson
Language Regarding Subjugated People Has Important Implications 40
A debate over the terms used in Australia's historical narrative serve as an example of why precision is so important. Pejorative labels of "politically correct" should not be thrown about lightly when distinctions in rhetoric have important implications to subjugated people. Peter Kilroy
Chapter 2 Are College Campuses Too Politically Correct?
Overview: The Campus Setting Offers Both Reasons and Ramifications for Political Correctness 45
While college students are perceived by many to be oversensitive and even coddled, their environment is also an ideal place for full exercise of the First Amendment. David A. Tomar
Yes: College Campuses Are Too Politically Correct
Administrators and Student Are Too Concerned with Political Correctness 61
There are many examples of political correctness taken surprisingly far on college campuses around the United States. Daniel J. Mitchell
On-Campus Free Speech Continues to Diminish as a Result of Political Correctness 66
Speech policing has been on the rise over the past two decades, and it is becoming a threat to freedom of speech on college campuses. Greg Lukianoff
No: College Campuses Are Not Too Politically Correct
"Safe Space" Is a Valuable Element of the Campus Setting 74
There is an inherent value to safe spaces on college campuses. They are the ideal settings in which to create social change. Jennifer Wallin-Ruschman Mazna Patka
Trigger Warnings Create a Comfortable Working Environment for Students 83
Sensitivity, particularly with regard to topics dealing with graphic and potentially traumatic content, enables students to learn in a setting where they feel secure. Tony Pollard
Chapter 3 Should Political Correctness Be Applied to Social Media and the News?
Overview: Sensitive Topics Are Handled Differently Over Social Media 87
Social media has a direct impact on the way we discuss sensitive issues, but not always in the way we might expect. Keith Hampton Lee Rainie Weixu Lu Maria Dwyer Inyoung Shin Kristen Purcell
Yes: Political Correctness Should Be Applied to Social Media and the News
Anti-PC Sentiment Is a Detriment to Our Culture 97
The effort the author refers to as the "Anti-PC Crusade" has had a real-and negative-effect on American culture, in large part by way of the news. Lance Selfa
A PC Environment Contributes to Creativity and Openness 105
A study reveals that individuals who establish a comfort level of communication can generate more-and higher level-ideas in collaboration with one another. Gene Demby
No: Political Correctness Should Not Be Applied to Social Media and the News
Political Correctness Is Unnecessary and Manipulative 109
Political correctness is nothing but a tool for gaining power for those who feel that they've been victimized by society. Social media is helping it spread like wildfire. Luis R. Miranda
Publishers and News Media Pander to Bias and Ignorance 113
All too often, publishers and news media gloss over-or ignore-the truth and instead give the public the most easy-to-swallow or entertaining content available. Walter Brasch
Chapter 4 Has PC Culture Gone Too Far?
Overview: The Debate Over Political Correctness Continues 117
The various forms of political correctness-from trigger warnings to removal of potentially offensive content-are valid to some and baffling to others. Where is the middle ground? Chris Green
Yes: PC Culture Has Gone Too Far
PC Culture Has Too Great an Impact on Language 122
There are important repercussions to the university aversions to presenting students with any content that could be conceived as offensive. Jeremy Styron
Political Correctness Has Made Us Lose Perspective 126
The more control we demand over what is deemed acceptable in terms of language and thought, the more simplified our society becomes. This culture will result in a generation that does not understand the freedoms Americans enjoy as compared to many of those who suffer around the world. Daphne Patai
Political Correctness Has Crossed the Line 132
Freedom of expression cannot survive in a society where political correctness is the judge and referee of how we speak. Abri Brancken
No: PC Culture Has Not Gone Too Far
There Is a Connection Between Views on Political Correctness and Personal Experience 137
Research findings show that those people who believe society has become too politically correct are significantly less likely to have experienced discrimination themselves. Natalia Khosla Sean McElwee
Political Correctness Protects More Than It Harms 142
Criticisms that political correctness has gone too far don't take into account the tremendous need for thoughtful language and consideration in our complex society. Aoife Kelly
Organizations to Contact 145
Bibliography 150
Index 152
