Maybe I'm Naive
We are the generation of the "Politically Correct". Today, we have non-offensive titles for everyone; we don’t talk about issues involving anyone, except those exactly like us, in fear of being branded an "IST". Racist, sexist, age-ist. In a time where the majority of our waking life is spent in a place of work, we tread lightly. We acknowledge there are people different from us, but we cannot say who they are, or how they differ. All of this to obtain a fair and equitable society, a place where we cannot be judged on the superficial: gender, skin color, religion, sexual preference, but rather on our merit as an individual. And the goal is a worthy one, one that has been long coming, and hard fought for. A noble cause, surely.
But in this pursuit of equity, have we not done ourselves an injustice? It seems to me, as we compartmentalize everyone into non-offensive categories, we do the individual a disservice. Surely now, as no other time in history, people have become categories.
Although it is truly unfair to judge a person on age, race, creed, gender, religion, or sexual preference, is it not also unfair to ignore that these things are part of who they are?
Our histories, as part of any group, is also what make us the individuals we are.
Perhaps I am naïve. I believe the only way to truly understand a person is to learn HOW they have become the person I see before me. Did they suffer persecution? Discrimination? How does their culture differ from mine? How is it similar? I cannot ask if something is offensive, but can be told it is. The faux pas has died, to be replaced by the accusation.
But we dare not ask. Dare not even acknowledge the fact that we are not all clones, identical cogs in the same damned machine. This new behavior, new fear of being thought an "IST" has led us to further the ignorance, which is the very foundation of bigotry.
I do not want to be ignorant; I want to be educated. I want to speak freely, and ask questions. I want you to feel that we can discuss our lives, and its various aspects without being politically incorrect.
Look around you, look at those who comprise your world. Those you interact with daily. They are people, not job titles. Every second of their lives has gone into the mold, with the finished product standing before you.
And that’s what makes us beautiful.
But maybe I’m naive.