Good Taste and Political Correctness

Many humans are easily embarrassed. The basis of much humor is this fact when situations are set up which make the audience cringe; humor often uses poor taste and situations we would rather not face. Political correctness can also receive some knocks. 

Which raises the question about the difference between good taste and political correctness.  Are they the same or do they differ? What is good taste? What is political correctness. 

Children are taught good taste by example and told to do nothing which will embarrass another person.  They often delight in doing the opposite.  We are a contrary species but that is part of growing up and becoming more sensitive to the world outside our own orbit. 

Political correctness is an attempt to overcome prejudices from the past which have created misery for various groups of people. Words we used, behavior which was accepted, all have the aim of dehumanizing another group.  In this way we can continue to feel superior and ‘special.  It’s part of the them and us syndrome.  It supports our need to identify with a group we value at the expense of other people. Most humans have a limited ability to deal with big issues in the world. 

We have been made aware of the language we use unwittingly and how it might be offensive.  In some cases it has gone beyond common sense and in others not made any difference.  Compare the derogative words for men compared to those for women.  It’s difficult to find any for men, yet there are some very unpleasant descriptions which are negative to women. 

Is good taste good manners?  Taste goes beyond our interaction with other people.  It covers how we dress, how we decorate our home, how we use our language, how we behave towards others and much more. If we have good taste, it suggests good manners but that is not always the case.  Both suggest we consider other people in our behavior and speech. When good taste and good manners are in operation it makes for easier cooperation and the smooth running of society.  They are to our benefit. 

Political correctness has become a denigrated term.  Those who push it hard seem to have lost their common sense and humor. While we need to be made aware of unconsciously expressed rudeness, some of the terms now used don’t even make sense.  They do more than raise our awareness, they raise hackles too. 

We are living in a world which is in a state of turmoil for many reasons. What was once safe and comfortable no long applies.  Everything seem to be in a condition of change and change is frightening and makes us uneasy. We like to cling to what is familiar and safe and that is very hard to do now. 

Still, it is not real effort to practice good manners and try to have good taste.  We might even be politically correct in the effort.