by A.R. Cruz

Created on: September 23, 2008

Can democracy survive in a Politically Correct World?

Democracy can and will survive in a politically correct world but unfortunately if the person is looking to win a popularity contest they shouldn't wait around for a medal.

There are certain words that have such a negative connotation you just can't help but offend the person or group. Sometimes a word or a question will be interpreted in a way it is not meant and will be taken out of context for political gains in either jobs or politics. An example: The infamous Pig with a lipstick remark , Barack Obama said it in a context of how the government now is being run and McCain is the status quo; and because Sarah Palin made the pig with a lipstick remark during republican convention, they ( the media) and republican party said that Obama called Palin a pig. Republicans have used this same old phrase to describe the status quo in Congress and Washington.

Another example; McCain made his comment on how long American soldiers should stay in Iraq, he said as long as it was needed, it could take 5 years or a 100 years, then he went on to say that American soldiers are still in some areas around the world such as Korea and Germany.

The Obama campaign took his words out of context and said that McCain said he would keep troops in Iraq for 100 years if needed.

Democracy is the greatest concept of a free society invented by the Greeks, there are many in society who may not always agree with what others say but the greatness of this concept is that you are free to disagree. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right and guaranteed in the first ten amendments, this is protected as long as the speech does not cause injury, create a dangerous situation; and create false libelous statements which hurt a person's reputation.

Being politically correct is being careful using words that describe an ethnic grouping words which do not demean and speak in non derogatory terms or for woman in non sexist terms, and making humorless jokes describing the disabled or mentally ill.

Freedom of Speech is an important right but as long the speech does not cause the three very physical and damaging consequences, you are allowed to speak in terms you feel comfortable expressing yourself. This right is a freedom many would die for in other countries they are not allowed to express in other countries, with this concept is a great responsibility which should not be abused.

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