Political Correctness

The term "politically correct" was originally a snide term for those who objected to racist or sexist jokes and assumptions. It was used when defending oneself against being called out for discrimination. Due to definition creep, it's now a snide term for anyone who objects to anything, and diminishes those who object to racism and sexism. Keeping that in mind, here's a joke about terms gone way far out in outer space.

How to Speak About Women and Be Politically Correct:

1. She is not a “Babe” or a “Chick.” She is a Breasted American.

2. She is not a “Dumb Blonde.” She is a Light-Haired Detour off the Information Superhighway.

3. She has not “Been Around.” She is a Previously-Enjoyed Companion.

4. She does not “Nag” you. She becomes Verbally Repetitive.

5. She is not a “Two-Bit Hooker.” She is a Low-Cost Provider.

How to Speak About Men and Be Politically Correct:

1. He does not have a “Beer Gut.” He has developed a Liquid Grain Storage Facility.

2. He does not “Get Lost All the Time.” He Investigates Alternative Destinations.

3. He is not “Balding.” He is in Follicle Regression.

4. He does not act like a “Total Ass.” He develops a case of Rectal-Cranial Inversion.

5. It’s not his “Crack” you see hanging out of his pants. It is Rear Cleavage.

(via Bits and Pieces)

Comments

[Morgan K Freeberg]

Did it start off being "snide"? The way I remember it, we got all these terms that were designed to make classes of people feel better about themselves and were all constructed adverb-adjective -- "politically correct" was used to describe these because it fit that adverb-adjective template. It was what it described. Kind of like using TLA to describe three-letter acronyms. "Differently Abled" was a serious term. "Follically Challenged" was semi-parody, and of course "Vaginal American" was a complete joke.

Of course, nowadays it's snide. From what I remember, it was purely a positive effort, designed to make people feel good, or at least less bad. The pejorative flavoring, which is now part of the ultimate effect, wasn't part of the original design. I'm an old man remembering years back in time, so I could have that wrong...