POLITICAL CORRECTNESS PREVENTING PROGRESS

There might come a time in the near future where secularity in modern developed societies is no more. A freedom that allows us to discuss and scrutinize any idea, or ideas. A freedom that is a catalyst for progress. A freedom that we take for granted. The culprit, political correctness. You may be reading this and speculating as to how political correctness can be a bad thing? You might say that it keeps people from being overly racist, and to an extent this is true. However, as my mother use to say “too much of a good thing can be bad”. This is true for political correctness.

People are too concerned with how they are perceived by others, so they conform to the status quo. This desire to fit in is human nature. It makes sense because humans are social animals. People are willing to conform to fit in, to feel a sense of belonging. This willingness to fit in has not only a social value, but also significantly increases the chances of survival. Working in a group, allows for increased protection, acquisition of food and allows for specialisation of jobs, thus enabling society to progress. Obviously fitting in has its benefits for survival, but it has no benefit in discussion. The extradition of political correctness is paramount for progressive discussions to unfold.

Islamaphobia, is an example of the many forms of political correctness that need to be extinguished from the minds of the public. It is hindering the discussion of a sensitive issue. An issue which has been instrumental in wreaking havoc across numerous countries, and forces believers to be socially removed.

With most religions, secularity and faith are able to co-exist , such as the separation of church and state in Christian dominated societies. However, in some Islamic countries there is no separation of religion and state. This is not due to the people’s lack of desire for this separation, but due to the teachings of Islam. In parts of these Islamic countries, the laws of the Quran are not just moral guidelines, but laws to govern a society. These laws warrant the religion's involvement in the state. The desire for the religion's involvement places great constraint on secularism. This constraint has been forcibly placed on secular discussion of any topics related to Islam.

It is understandable if these Islamic countries wish to disregard secularism in their own country, but I personally get frustrated when this irrational fear of secularity is burdened upon myself when having a constructive conversation on Islam.

The solution to this social matter is particularly imperative for secularism, and needs to be addressed urgently. Political correctness prevents us from having discussions on sensitive issues, and as a result we are often presented a very one sided view of an issue, such as Islam. So next time you wish to discuss a sensitive topic do not be afraid to speak your mind.

#LifestyleCulture #PoliticalCorrectness #Islamaphobia