"Politically Correct" is a tool of the Hard Right, IMHO. Let's discuss.

[blondeatlast]

I propose that we do away with the term "politically correct" entirely. Let's use the term "civil" instead. One of the reasons I was taught about civil discourse is that I was raised to be a good citizen; something I see sorely lacking in today's social environment.

IMHO, refraining from telling that racist/sexist/anti-Semitic/anti-Muslim/what-have-you joke at work isn't politically correct--it's good citizenship. I think we all have a responsibility to make the workplace relaxed and productive. Intentionally offending another's sensibilities is very poor citizenship--something I tend to attribute to the selfishness of the Hard Right, not intelligent progressives.

Not to mention that "turning the tables" on our opponents (Condoleeza Rice, Ann Coulter (I freely admit to being guilty in her case), et al) legitimizes THEIR arguments. That isn't political correctness/incorrectness, it's just a lazy, lousy way to make our points.

Yes, you can tell that dirty joke; I would never stop you. But I'll be damned if I will refrain from telling you that I'm offended by it for fear of being labeled "politically correct"

Or civil.

I hope others can see the difference in these two words.