by Stanley W. Shura

Created on: July 11, 2007

Freedom of speech is a precious and absolutely vital condition in any sentient (and honest) society. I would most defiinitely prefer to face "the demon that (I) know, than the demon that (I) don't". I am much more afraid of hidden prejudices which can fester and manifest both unexpectedly and intensely.

That all having been said, I feel that using the term "political correctness" is a very loaded description of basic civility - loaded so as to imply that it is ridiculous and hyper-sensitive to care enough about another's feelings that you would consider not only YOUR comfort and "freedom", but the comfort and freedom of your fellow human being as well. Users of that term seem to suggest (or else have over time come to connote) that such consideration means that one must say this thing in that specific way because of some arbitrary law or rule of etiquette imposed upon the masses by elitists or sissies. Well, there is nothing arbitrary or exclusive - or weak - about desiring to promote a more courteous and considerate citizenry which welcomes and respects not just the vast majority of "regular folk", but EVERYONE.

Frankly, I think it is lazy of a person to "need" to "speak (his/her) mind" before, or instead of, having considered the impact of his words and actions on others - and opting for inarticulate self-indulgence as opposed to clarity and real honesty. Freedom and respect are NOT mutually exlusive.

They are just one example of the yin and yang of right and responsibility. They are equally important for the preservation and observance of the rights of, not *most* of us, but *ALL* of us.

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