What It Means to be Politically Correct (with Examples)

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Learn how to be politically correct with our expert tips
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Being politically correct is all about being respectful of other people's feelings. Sometimes, it means avoiding expressions and actions that may exclude, marginalize, or offend a particular group of people. In this article, we explore what it means to be politically correct, dive into the origins of the term, and explain how to be politically correct, all with the help of various life coaches, psychologists, and other experts.

What does it mean to be politically correct?

To be politically correct means that you are careful to avoid language, actions, and behaviors that may be considered offensive or disparaging to marginalized groups. For example, instead of saying policeman, someone who is politically correct may say police officer. Politically correct is often shortened to P.C.

Section 1 of 6:

What does politically correct mean?

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  1. To be politically correct means to hold the belief that language, behavior and actions that can be considered offensive to others, especially those related to sex, gender, and race, should be avoided to prevent offending people. Politically correct words are often used in place of words that may be considered offensive. [1]
    • Example: Many people find the words “fireman” and “policeman” sexist. To be politically correct, they use “firefighter” and “police officer.”
    • Example: Many people find the terms “stripper” and “prostitute” offensive. Instead, they use the term “sex worker.”
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Be Politically Correct

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  1. The phrase "politically correct" is misleading, because the spirit of what you're doing is being respectful and kind, not imposing rules. Recognize that words can hurt, and can tie into countless other hurts that people may have experienced. [2] Focus less on yourself and your word use, and more on the impact your words have on others.
    • Licensed clinical psychologist Kim Chronister says to be aware of your nonverbals when showing kindness. Instead of showing contempt, judgment, or anything else that conveys discomfort, make conscious adjustments to seem warm or neutral.
    • You may be confused or fearful of different people—so take a deep breath, remember that they matter, and react with acceptance and respect.
    • The goal isn't to censor people, it's to encourage people to be kind. The goal isn't to be right, but to not be a jerk, especially to people who have faced more than their fair share of hardship and jerks. [3]
    • Instead of asking "am I politically correct?" ask "am I being caring and respectful towards others?" [4]
  2. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is an important step for gaining awareness. Being politically correct doesn't just mean being mindful of what you say. It also means learning about those different from you and respecting those differences. Reach out, interact, talk, and befriend those who have a different background than you.
    • Ask coworkers or classmates from a different religion, ethnicity, sexuality, or country to go to lunch. If you're not that close, just start a conversation with them. You may be surprised how much you have in common.
    • Find culturally diverse events and experiences. Developing your thoughts and understanding that all people are equal through interactive learning will foster a respectful attitude.
    • Don't be afraid to ask about other people’s lived experiences. You may not understand the lived experiences of oppressed groups, especially if you are a member of a privileged group, so ask questions and listen closely to the answers.
  3. Avoid judging people based on the color of their skin or stereotyping them based on the actions of someone else from their race or social circle. Recognize racist roots of words, like the n-word or referring to immigrants as illegals or aliens .
    • Many common expressions have roots in discrimination. Terms such as "Chinese auction," "Indian giver," "Jew down" (negotiate), and "gyp" are racist.
    • Many common words also have implicit discrimination in them and are thus considered harmful. For example, words such as "gypsy" and "oriental" are derogatory. Instead use "Roma" for "gypsy" or "Asian" for "oriental."
  4. "Cultural appropriation" happens when a member of the dominant group copies parts of a non-dominant group without acknowledging the meaning of the source. Think of it like a cheap knockoff. It exploits the aesthetic while ignoring the meaning and history. And it usually reinforces stereotypes. Here are some examples of what is and isn't appropriation: [5]
    • Wearing a pretty necklace that you bought from a Native American craft shop isn't cultural appropriation. That's supporting an artist. Dressing up like a "Native American" with headdresses and feathers for Halloween is cultural appropriation.
    • Buying a black singer's album and singing the songs you like isn't appropriation. That's enjoying their music. Making a fashion statement by copying black people's hairstyles, which they often face discrimination for, is appropriation.
    • Making curry for dinner because you like it is not appropriation. It's enjoying good food. Wearing a bindi because you think it's cute or trendy, ignoring its cultural context, is appropriation.
    • Celebrating Lunar New Year with your Chinese friend is not appropriation. It's joining a celebration where you were invited. Getting a random Chinese character tattooed on your body because it's "pretty" or "deep" is appropriation. [6]

    Tip: Think about how members of the group feel about what you're doing. Could they feel like you are making fun of them or ripping off their ideas? Do you know the history and meaning? Are you crediting the source? Do members of the culture face stigma for the thing you're using? Were you invited to join in their traditions? [7]

  5. Some people are bisexual, transgender, asexual, genderfluid, etc. and they deserve respect and inclusion. Substitute gender-neutral language to include people of different sexual orientations and gender identities. Gender-specific language can be extremely harmful. Avoid giving things genders in your mind and refrain from claiming actions, occupations, or items are "male" or "female."
    • Use gender-neutral job titles when you aren't referring to a specific person. For example, say "chairperson" or "chair" instead of "chairman"; "firefighter" is preferable to "fireman"; a "police officer" includes all genders; and "flight attendant" replaces "steward" and "stewardess." [8]
    • Don't assume that people are straight (or even monogamous). Ask "Do you have any partners?" or "Are you engaged/dating anyone"? rather than "Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?" [9]
    • Don't generalize about genitals. Some women have penises/testicles and some men have clitorises/vaginas. Furthermore, intersex people exist.
    • Respect gender identities. A person's real name is the name that they accept as the one that matches their gender. If you're unsure how to be respectful towards someone's identity, just ask them. They'll likely appreciate your good intentions.
    • Using terms and titles such as "woman's work" or "secretary" (instead of "administrative assistant") is demeaning and belittling. Calling women "girls" (instead of "ladies" or "women") is infantilizing and discounts that the place of women in the world is equal to men.
  6. Violence is a serious issue that many people reference or joke about in casual conversation, alienating victims and making it difficult for them to speak up. You can help by respecting them and taking them seriously.
    • Recognize that not all victims are female. Use gender-inclusive language when discussing these social issues.
    • Making comments like "they asked for it" when someone is attacked is cruel. Everyone, regardless of clothing or unwise choices, deserves basic safety.
    • Avoid rape jokes, as these can be hurtful to survivors. They can also suggest to would-be rapists that you might take their side if they hurt someone.
  7. The world has innumerable different religions and not everyone shares the same beliefs. When speaking to a group of people, you may be talking to people from many different religions, or speaking to people who are agnostic or atheist. Limit the amount of religious terms in your language, especially when speaking in groups of people. [10]
    • Avoid religious statements when talking to non-religious people, or people of an unknown religion. For example, instead of telling a sick atheist you'll pray for them, say that your thoughts are with them and their family.
    • It's also a good idea to avoid referencing "God/god." Every religious group has different names for and rules for saying the term. Jews do not say the name of god, Muslims refer to their god as Allah, and Hindus worship many different gods. [11]
    • Asking questions like "what would Jesus do?" to an individual whose religion you don't know or group that isn't entirely Christian is ill-advised. Save the religious discussions for when you're with other Christians or when someone says they're open to discussing it.
    • There is an exception to using religious terms: to describe either academic or specific characteristics of a religious group. You may say "Evangelical Christians hold certain beliefs...", or "members of the Jewish faith celebrate Yom Kippur...".
  8. Some people prefer identity-first language ("disabled person") while others prefer person-first language ("person with a disability"), and it's best to respect their individual preference. Make sure not to use derogatory terms such as " ret*rd " and "midget," and avoid using words rooted in disability as insults.
    • Words such as "dumb," "crippled," "derp," and "psycho" are examples of disability-based insults/slurs. [12] They imply that disability is demeaning.
    • Treat disabled people like ordinary people, accommodating any needs without resistance, and treating the disability as natural. Offer help if they're struggling, and don't push it on them if they say they can handle it.
    • Use person-first language for most disabilities, such as "person with Down Syndrome" rather than "Down Syndrome person." [13] The Autistic, Blind, and Deaf communities have some exceptions (e.g. "autistic person"). [14] When unsure, ask what a person prefers.
  9. Heavier people, especially women, experience discrimination and hardship because of social attitudes about weight. Be conscious of hurtful stereotypes regarding fat people being lazy, unhealthy, greedy, et cetera. Similarly, don't make rude remarks to skinny people or treat a thin man like he is less manly.
    • Other people's bodies aren't your business. Don't comment on their weight or offer unsolicited advice about how to change their bodies. If they don't ask about it, don't bring it up.
    • Don't assume a slimmer person has an eating disorder. Even if they appear unhealthy, telling them to "eat a cheeseburger" won't help.
    • Watch your language closely. Some people, particularly fat acceptance advocates, self-identify as "fat" and encourage the destigmatization of the word. Other people could be very hurt by that adjective.
    • Also, don't shame or belittle people based on the size or traits of their private parts.
  10. When speaking to or about other groups, avoid unnecessary grouping language. Don't lump people together based on religion, sexual orientation, gender, and ethnicity. This may encourage division instead of equality and inclusion. Not everyone in a group is the same, acts the same, or believes the same things. This kind of language reduces a person to one category, when people are so much more.
    • For example, don't refer to groups by saying things like: the deaf, the gays, the Jews, or the Blacks. If you are referring to a social group, acknowledge differences. "Many blind people feel that..."
    • Use language that makes a person or group feel like they are equal and included in any situation.
  11. Every individual and group has the right to choose the language that best describes their race, class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, or physical ability.
    • If you're not sure of someone's preference, you can ask them. For example, "I don't want to offend you and was wondering if you call yourself Black or African American?" If they are neither, show interest and ask how they'd like to be referred to.
    • Don't use controversial terms if you aren't a group member. For example, many Roma self-identify as gypsies. Unless you are a member of the Roma community, avoid using "gypsy" and always use Roma. It isn't your word to reclaim.
    • Skip the trendy terms. Most of these terms are used by members not part of the group. For example, don't call a person with disabilities "handi-capable" or "differently abled" or a short person "vertically challenged." Many people find these terms to be weird.
    • When in doubt, take the words of those directly affected over those of allies.
  12. It's not personal, so don't get defensive . Accept any individual or group's choice to reject language that offends them. If you accidentally use the wrong language or offend someone or a group, apologize for your mistake and use the term they have chosen for themselves.
    • If you get too upset, it's okay to step back and say that you need to take a few minutes to think. Take a break. Pause before reacting.
    • To apologize, licensed clinical psychologist Gera Anderson says to “acknowledge their feelings and any actions on your part that may have led to those feelings.”
    • Anderson says that “If you regret your actions, apologize for your actions. If you do not regret your actions, apologize that your actions made the other people feel that way.”
  13. If you run into someone who is acting hurtful or being degrading about someone, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. You want to avoid fighting with someone, being superior, or criticizing them. Instead, talk to the person about the term. Open the lines of communication and engage in dialogue instead of humiliating them or telling them they are horrible.
    • When in doubt, assume that they meant well.
    • Criticize the actions, not the person. "Please stop making fun of Hispanic immigrants. As a person who has Hispanic friends, I feel that those jokes really hurtful and demeaning to them."
    • Protect their ego while critiquing their actions. "I'm surprised to hear a considerate person like you say something so hurtful about people with Down syndrome."
    • Try leading and ending with a compliment when you correct someone. Start with a compliment, like how you think the person made a good point. Kindly follow that with your correction or critique. Then, finish it up with another compliment. [15]
  14. If you want to talk about touchy subjects, such as religion or politics, make sure that you are open to other opinions. People form their opinions based on backgrounds and experiences. If you are going to share your opinion, be open to listening to others. You may learn information or a perspective that helps inform your own opinion. Everyone has something to teach you.
    • Share the spotlight. Let other people be heard too.
    • Pay close attention to opinions different from yours. This is your opportunity to learn something new.
  15. Are you in the workplace? A conference? A friend's party? Or maybe a family dinner? Each of these situations has different social rules for polite behavior. If you are aware of your surroundings, it will guide you to what words and actions are appropriate in any situation.
    • Formal situations like work or professional events have the highest standards and largest consequences. Informal and private situations are more relaxed, but sensitivity still matters.
    • Consider the individual or persons in the group. Even if they are not minorities, their friends, family, and acquaintances may be. Do you want to encourage empathy or dismissiveness? Compassion or disrespect?
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Section 3 of 6:

Understanding Prejudice

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  1. Understanding the prejudice in your society and around the world can help open your eyes. Learning about the struggles of others different than you can help you reevaluate your own preconceived notions. Education is an excellent way to overcome prejudices, understand those different than us, and become politically correct.
    • Individuals and groups are discriminated against for many different reasons including race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, culture, and socio-economic status. If you're unsure of these groups, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has information on groups who experience discrimination.
    • Taking a course at a university or doing some research online can help you learn more about prejudice.
    • Become familiar the terms that various communities view as acceptable, and which ones are hurtful. [16] The more you practice consideration and respect, the easier it will be and the less likely you are to upset someone.
  2. Consider any conscious or unconscious prejudices you may hold. This can also include stereotypes you believe about groups of people. If you are aware of any negative feelings or stereotypes you hold towards individuals or groups, it will help you adjust your language and behavior towards your goal of being a respectful person.
    • There are a few ways to assess your own prejudices. What do you think when you hear an ethnic last name? What is your first instinct if you learn someone is gay or transgender? If someone talks or moves slowly, what do you think of them? Being honest about your initial reactions can help you identify your prejudices.
    • Life coach Rachel Kove says to challenge these internalized stereotypes, it may be helpful to ask yourself why you feel this way and where your prejudices might come from.
    • Besides acknowledging your prejudices, one excellent tool to identify any negative feelings you might need to work on is the Implicit Association Test (IAT). You can find this psychological test online to determine your prejudices. [17]
  3. Educate yourself and keep an eye on your thoughts to help control and change your language and behaviors. People may interpret and draw inferences from the language you use. When you are interacting with people, you want to be an open, respectful, and informed individual instead of a careless, disrespectful person .
    • Avoid racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. jokes because they are always hurtful.
    • If you catch yourself thinking something negative, don't scold yourself. Instead ask "Why did I think that?" "Do I really agree with that?" "What would better reflect the attitude I want to have?"
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Section 4 of 6:

Origin of “Politically Correct”

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  1. Although use in the West wasn’t common until the 1970s, the term was first used in the 1930s to mean the correct position for a Communist party member. [18] In 1934, The New York Times reported that Nazi Germany was only letting “pure ‘Aryans’ whose opinions are politically correct” access reporting permits.
Section 5 of 6:

Is politically correct the same as woke?

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  1. While political correctness refers to the belief that language, behavior, and actions should be altered so you don’t offend anyone, the term “woke” refers to the fact that someone is informed, educated, and well-aware of social injustice, racial discrimination, and inequality. Political correctness is more of a belief, while being woke is more of a trait. [19]
    • The term “woke” originated in the Black community as a way to identify those who are politically educated and aware of race dynamics in America.
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Section 6 of 6:

Politicians & Political Correctness

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  1. When the phrase first began to gain popularity, leftists used “politically correct” as a satirical inside joke to poke fun at themselves and their beliefs, especially if they were being self-righteous. As the term became co-opted by conservatives, this usage declined, but it still occasionally occurs today. [20]
    • Example: A vegetarian may say “Would it be politically correct if we ate hamburgers tonight?” to poke fun at their identity.
    • Example: A feminist may say “I know it’s not the most politically correct, but that guy is smoking hot” about a sexist or problematic celebrity.
  2. Around the late 1980s and early 1990s, some conservatives started to use the term “politically correct” to criticize what they believed was biased toward leftist beliefs. This use is still relatively common today, with some conservatives using it to define liberal-driven conflicts and protests as an effort to be politically correct. [21]
    • Example: “Did you see they were protesting that store for refusing to hire minorities? What a bunch of politically correct malarky.”
    • Example: “There’s some groups on campus going back and forth over some protest or something. I don’t know, they’re just trying to be politically correct if you ask me. What happened to the days when people didn’t get so offended?”
  3. Patriotic correctness is used to describe right-wing attempts to shape language and behavior. Rather than avoiding offensive language or behaviors, those who practice patriotic correctness lean into that language and behavior, often saying that others are too sensitive or offend too easily. Patriotic correctness tends to promote American nationalism and conservative ideals. [22]
    • While political correctness is often referred to in the media, patriotic correctness is rarely addressed.
    • The term was coined by Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute.
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      • When you use inappropriate language, sincerely apologize rather than argue. Admit you still have more to learn, thank the person for the feedback, and move forward with better understanding.
      • Politely speak up when friends or family make comments that perpetuate harmful stereotypes or exclusion. Show them that you are challenging their assumptions, but from a caring place.
      • Notice when language subtly makes assumptions about gender, family structure or relationships — for example, referring to "wives" or "husbands" assumes heterosexuality.
      • Avoid appropriating accessories or clothing with significant cultural/religious meanings without invitation — like wearing a Native American headdress as a costume.
      • Seek out media, books, and art made by marginalized creators. Immersing yourself in their stories organically builds empathy and awareness.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/article/political-correctness/
      2. ↑ https://radicalcopyeditor.com/2016/10/24/part-3-care-more-about-people-than-words/
      3. ↑ https://radicalcopyeditor.com/2016/10/24/part-3-care-more-about-people-than-words/
      4. ↑ https://radicalcopyeditor.com/2016/10/24/part-5-put-political-correctness-back-where-it-belongs/
      5. ↑ https://greenheart.org/blog/greenheart-international/cultural-appreciation-vs-cultural-appropriation-why-it-matters/
      6. ↑ https://laist.com/news/racism-101-at-what-point-does-cultural-appreciation-cross-over-into-appropriation
      7. ↑ https://greenheart.org/blog/greenheart-international/cultural-appreciation-vs-cultural-appropriation-why-it-matters/
      8. ↑ https://recruitee.com/articles/inclusive-job-descriptions
      9. ↑ https://itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2011/12/why-i-sa-the-term-partner-instead-of-boyfriendgirlfriend-and-when/
      1. ↑ https://www.personalitytutor.com/how-to-be-politically-correct.html
      2. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1443443/jewish/Why-Dont-Jews-Say-Gds-Name.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html
      4. ↑ https://thebodyisnotanapology.com/magazine/i-am-disabled-on-identity-first-versus-people-first-language/
      5. ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/learning-about-autism/about-autism/autism-language-on-raisingchildren.net.au
      6. ↑ https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-to-be-politically-correct-without-being-the-pc/
      7. ↑ https://www.personalitytutor.com/how-to-be-politically-correct.html
      8. ↑ https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
      9. ↑ https://chscommunicator.com/47445/uncategorized/2018/05/political-correctness-what-does-it-really-mean-and-what-problems-does-it-cause/
      10. ↑ https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/woke-conservatives/story?id=93051138
      11. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/07/09/1014744289/cancel-culture-debate-has-early-90s-roots-political-correctness
      12. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/07/09/1014744289/cancel-culture-debate-has-early-90s-roots-political-correctness
      13. ↑ https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/opinion/columns/2017/01/08/patriotic-correctness/22765515007/

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