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Isn't it funny how over time the meanings of phrases in the English language become bastardized and twisted? Terms like "political correctness" and "free speech" are touted as if flags flown on massive ships, these ships apparently needing protection from unspecified dangers to their very existance.

To better understand these concepts, first I would like to define them clearly.

Political correctness, which I will from here on out refer to as PC, stems from those in the politics game feeling the need to buffer themselves from oral scandals. To be precise, PC is defined as the changing of language patterns to avoid offending any parties based on gender, race, religious or ethnic backgrounds. A concept developed in the last few decades, since it's creation the practice of being PC has grown from a courtesy towards those of diverse birth or background into something of an obsession.

Freedom of speech has become a hot topic of debate and discussion in the last 40 years. What began as an Amendment protecting the people, the press, and religion now seems to be regarded as a red flag that any upset American uses versus whomsoever has angered them that week.

Freedom of speech as covered by the Bill of Rights, and means this in layman's terms:

The government will not restrict free speech by any party, unless said speech threatens to be destructive.

Where modern interpretation of the Amendment becomes tricky is in the last bit of phrasing, "threatens to be destructive." Destructive in what sense, the question becomes. Physically? Mentally? Emotionally?

These issues were not a question 100 years ago. As we, the human race, become more and more openly crude, speaking however we wish whenever we wish, the tolerance for our oral and written freedoms shifts. Things that were not publicly spoken of 50 years ago are common topics of discussion accepted anywhere you wish to speak on them. As social dynamics change, so will the definition of what "threatens to be destructive."

So I say to you all, being PC has not undermined free speech. You are free to be PC or not, and I defend your right to choose such. However, in exercising your rights as granted by the Constitution, be careful not to tread into the destructive category. Should you do so, you have stepped out of the bounds of your rights and into the realm of an unprotected state wherein you can expect to be taken to task for your words.

Freedom of speech is not a blanket authority granted each person to take part in destructive social interactions. It is a right bestowed upon a country which at it's founding was comprised of folk with more tact and self-restraint than the average American musters in ten years put together. If we as a country united wish to continue to enjoy these freedoms, we must preserve them by first improving our own individual adherances to our rights, morals and ethics.

Political correctness has not undermined free speech. Lack of decorum and tact has undermined our rights as a whole, and until we return to a moral standpoint where the American people are less fixated on shocking one another and more in tune with the Golden Rule, then we have only ourselves to blame for any force which may supress our lewd, crude, base behavior.

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Anderson.
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