Do we understand who politically correct people are? How do they ensure that they are politically correct? If they do not fully express their desires, a freedom they possibly resent or disdain because in correcting themselves, they are overlooking the essential methods of engagement needed to confront the gravest challenges effectively.
They are undoubtedly adept at engaging specifically with those who align perfectly with their sense of correctness—so meticulously that even Aristotle couldn’t fault their commitment to political correctness. This precision suggests that one need not always adhere to such correctness when expressing oneself, whether foolishly, ironically, or in any manner one chooses.
They interpret conversations differently from us, viewing what we might consider political backwardness as a pathway to enlightenment. It’s quite an experience to engage with such individuals because they are always prepared with extensive, well-articulated arguments, ready to delve into the depths of any discussion. If you’ve never interacted with people of this kind, you’re missing out on a unique perspective—they bring a dimension of intensity and complexity to every conversation. For them, dissent is a cause for concern, and freedom is viewed with a type of resentment.
Political correctness is seen by some as a means to sidestep circles of backwardness. You can find proponents of this perspective in offices, schools, colleges, and even on dating apps—and they are notably well-spoken. Unlike those of us who might approach issues with trepidation and delve deeply into understanding them, these individuals tend to bypass problematic topics altogether, choosing instead to eloquently discuss broader, more expansive subjects.
Engaging with them could be enlightening, as there’s little to lose by doing so. At the very least, it might alleviate some of our concerns about pressing issues. At most, it could offer a fresh perspective compared to the speeches we hear from our leaders at political rallies. Such interactions could broaden our understanding and perhaps challenge us to think differently.
Consider their approach: they consistently prioritize and almost worship correctness. An interesting counter would be to expose them to the very content they tend to avoid, such as contentious speeches or the polarizing rhetoric of figures like our prime minister, who is known for his broad but often divisive remarks. Sharing such material could provoke thoughtful discussions, challenging them to confront and articulate their views on more controversial topics.
I’m genuinely aiming to help them become politically significant within our democracy by encouraging them to engage with a broader range of topics, including those they might typically avoid. By suggesting, “Hey, listen, you could also articulate well on these issues,” I’m not trying to be sarcastic or teach them but rather to extend a hand of friendship. It’s about supporting their journey toward a more comprehensive understanding while respecting the correctness they cherish. This approach allows us to neither ignore them nor impose upon them, but to accompany them in exploring the full spectrum of political discourse.
From the outset, it’s rare to find someone who staunchly upholds political correctness engaging in spontaneous or off-the-cuff discussions. It seems to be an accepted norm, yet not everyone is comfortable with it. I’m merely navigating within the framework of correctness they profess to uphold, because at times, political correctness can indeed morph into ignorance. By gently guiding our less politically engaged peers, especially in a context like India where there’s a tendency to overlook the randomness of daily occurrences in favor of eloquently capturing long-winded phrases, we can help broaden their engagement. This isn’t about challenging their stance per se, but about enriching their understanding and encouraging a more dynamic approach to dialogue.
Engaging with those who prioritize political correctness by introducing elements of spontaneity and randomness into discussions can indeed be enlightening. It’s important to clarify that such efforts aren’t meant to undermine their views but to enhance the richness of the dialogue. By doing so, you’re not only helping them but also enriching your own understanding and the broader discourse. In a youthful and dynamic country like India, where the voices of the young are pivotal, bringing a fresh perspective or an unexpected topic can spark truly innovative and transformative conversations. So, don’t hesitate to weave a bit of randomness into your political discussions—it might just lead to unexpected insights and breakthroughs in understanding.
Arjun Kohli 