[Seo Mideum's Book Review] "Political Correctness Must Be Kind"

Professor Kang Junman on 'Political Correctness'
'Political Correctness' is Courtesy Towards Humans
One Should Not Abandon a Person's Courtesy Just Because They Violate Courtesy

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Language governs thought. Therefore, it is essential to use precise and ethically correct words. This is how so-called ‘Political Correctness (PC)’ was born. It reflects the opinions of the listeners more than the speakers. Even with good intentions, expressions like ‘janghaeu’ (a term for friends with disabilities used carelessly) or ‘~rini’ (a term referring to beginners in a certain field) are considered undesirable according to PC.

Such cases are frequent around us. PC is used as a form of resistance against linguistic discrimination and insults directed at socially vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities, the poor, and Black people. Those who practice PC often wield moral superiority as their greatest weapon.

Professor Kang Juman, author of Political Correctness (Inmulgwasa-sangsa), points out that this moral superiority can sometimes become an obstacle. Since the PC movement started from a place of respect for human dignity, excessively harsh criticism for failing to maintain or neglecting politeness can ironically betray the very ‘respect for humanity’ it aims to uphold.

In fact, the origins of PC were positive. When it developed mainly in American universities in the 1980s, it opposed discrimination based on gender, race, appearance, and physical ability as part of minority rights protection programs. It achieved considerable success. However, in the late 1980s, conservatives began opposing the PC movement, arguing that it infringed on freedom of expression. In response, the PC camp started labeling them as racists.

The author considers this response an excessive counterattack and inappropriate for PC. He explains, “The life of PC lies in humility,” adding, “No one enjoys being ‘corrected.’ When expressing opinions about PC, it is absolutely necessary to adopt a humble attitude and consider the feelings of others as much as possible.” However, the author claims that many people act arrogantly, teaching from a superior position.

He also criticizes the misuse of PC in politics. He warns, “When PC enters the political arena, it becomes a club used to knock down opponents,” and “Using PC as a tool to criticize and humiliate others will ultimately kill even the good intentions of ‘Political Correctness.’”

Once, when interviewing a politician with a disability, I accidentally used the term ‘normal person’ and immediately apologized. He smiled and said, “It’s okay. If you don’t know, just kindly let me know. Not only should non-disabled people be considerate of people with disabilities, but people with disabilities should also be considerate of non-disabled people.”

Whatever the value, the important thing in sustaining and conveying it is attitude.

Political Correctness | Kang Junman | Inmulgwasa-sangsa | 200 pages | 14,000 KRW

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