 |
| China+Viral Nova |
THE CONCISE OXFORD DICTIONARY (1995) Della Thompson (ed.), Oxford, Clarendon Press.
Political correctness is from the Concise Oxford Dictionary: quote (noun) 'The avoidance of forms of expression or action that exclude marginalize, or insult certain racial or cultural groups'. Oxford (1995: 1057).
Two recent events have me pondering on 'political correctness'. Therefore the post.
Firstly, one of the online pastors I listen to preaching from a Biblical, yet somewhat fundamentalistic position, stated that a political correct position was basically, to paraphrase, always the wrong position.
However
Political correctness could follow societal and cultural norms that are against Biblical standards.
Example: Acceptance of abortion on demand or non-Biblical views of sexuality
Political correctness could follow societal and cultural norms that are in basic agreement with Biblical standards.
Example: Acceptance that murder is immoral
Therefore, perhaps at times a politically correct approach is basically correct and true.
I am not in agreement with the pastor's fundamentalistic position.
Secondly, in regard to a comment that a senior security officer made that was somewhat humourous at work. I will cite it and then state that he informed me he would be complaining to head office because of the work environment but would not mention 'Chinese' to corporate head office because it may be considered politically incorrect.
'It's like a Chinese prison camp!' (Senior security officer after I describe his corporate shift in a caged area with no chair and no autonomous washroom break for 12 hours)...
I posted this as a Facebook status update.
In regard to political correctness, the fact Chinese is mentioned in context has to do with the People's Republic Of China and its reputation as a totalitarian state and regime and its treatment of prisoners.
Wikipedia China
Quote
'Prisons Foreign experts estimate that in 2000, there were between 1.5 million and 4 million people in prison in China. China does not allow outsiders to inspect the penal system.[15]'
End quote
It can be reasoned out the context of the statement is the People's Republic of China.
It is not a representation of all Chinese persons. It has specific context.
Therefore, the comment is not offensive in a non-politically correct way against Chinese persons, but is rather satire comparing the totalitarian People's Republic of China to the Canadian Security industry.
The security officer stated the next night...
The same security officer tonight claimed to be gassed out of the parkade by demolition construction workers...
 |
| Telegraph |
