A lot of words devoted here to a totally bogus construct like 'PC culture'.

The problem and the people he's talking about are real. He seems thoughtful and sincere, but he probably won't win anybody over.

He could use an editor.

While I won't hold the length against him for the reason I stated to sanepride, I do agree this has all the hallmarks of an unedited rant, of course, he does sort of admit as much once he mentions how it started as twitter post.

As for not winning anyone over, I'd say despite the flaw in formatting, spelling, and a few points of minor disagreement he won me over.

I mean I doubt he'll bring a change of attitude to the type of lulz-based asshole that is his subject. I'm pretty sure that's not you.

Aww. Thanks. It's always nice to know someone thinks better of me than I expected.

Don't let me down :)

...so you are telling me that the construct of intending least insult isn't a principle followed by generally decent people? Or if we invert it, that people who purposefully offend do so unchallenged?

Otherwise, yes it's long winded. I am not sure I'd hold that against the essay considering the one of the larger points here is of need for nuance.

No, it's always a good principle to not be a racist, sexist, homophobic asshole. But does this translate to something called 'PC culture'? The very concept is an invention of people who do tend to be racist, sexist, homophobic assholes. It's their convenient way of compartmentalizing decent behavior to justify offensive behavior. And I'm not having it.

... Sanepride, we don't always agree, but I respect you. However, I am not going to respect an argument of aesthetic over substance.

Like it or not, culture is culture and you are part of it if you follow it's tenants. In the world were ideas must be described with words labels are in fact useful and necessary to have any hope of being coherent.

Political correctness is a concept that exist, thus a manifestation of human intellect. If it is to be regarded in a collective sense what is the word we use for that?

Culture, maybe?

'Political correctness' is a label, applied- often pejoratively by the right- to behavior that is generally tolerant and respectful. Is behavior, in this case tolerant behavior, really a 'culture'? Seems more like an attempt to pigeonhole what should simply be a natural way of thinking into some kind of deliberate method or agenda.
Granted, methods and agendas may result from behavior and attitudes, maybe this is what the author is talking about. If you want to point to specific manifestations of tolerance behavior- music, literature, food, etc, that's 'culture'. But the behavior itself? Nah.

Culture - 1. the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively

Any questions?

Right, that's what I said- arts and manifestations. Does 'political correctness' itself- i.e. the behavior and attitude of tolerance and respect- really count as 'arts and manifestations'?
Now I'd certainly entertain the idea that people who wield that label 'political correctness' as a means to forward an agenda of intolerance might be considered a 'culture'.

Did you leave a word out? I think you did: human intellectual achievement

Tell me, what is a concept? Is it real in the sense you could hold it or is it an intellectual pursuit?

Just like how there is a "culture" in science/amongst scientist, there is a culture among any shared intellectual pursuit. This is "SE" culture we are partaking in, if you will. "Internet" culture if you feel that's too specific.

Basically, you're fighting a battle against aesthetics because of phrasing you've heard from people you dislike, without stopping to consider the alternative... if you must relay that concept to another, whom might not be part of your ingroup, you must have a way to label and describe the concept itself. Political correctness culture? Yes, that is a thing. If it bothers you, call it something else, but you've got no legs to stand on in outright refusing it's use by others, especially when not being used in pejorative.

"the arts and other manifestations OF human intellectual achievement regarded collectively", not the intellectual achievement by itself. Some product of a concept, not the actual concept. Once again, we're deadlocked over semantics. I understand what culture is, and I'm pretty sure you do too, I think we're at odds over some fuzzy line where ideas and concepts result in something more tangible.

As for my issue with 'political correctness' and this essay, it's not a battle of aesthetics, it's a battle over phrasing to suit a political agenda.
My argument is simply this- by submitting to this categorization of 'a culture' to the simple concept of not being an asshole, you legitimize the argument of the assholes, that behaving in a 'politically correct' fashion is some kind of deliberate affectation, instead of just reasonable, decent behavior.

the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively

There emphasis added for your benefit.

Manifest: To demonstrate

So, please tell how demonstrating the principle of political correctness in your own actions and expecting it in others not definitionally culture?

I get your complaint, but suffice to say it's just no valid, because it relies on denying the truth of what culture is, even.

Really it's kind of interesting how we seem to be getting such different interpretations from the same definition.

So, please tell how demonstrating the principle of political correctness in your own actions and expecting it in others not definitionally culture?

OK, thing is it's easier to demonstrate these principles through lack of action, like not making assumptions or stereotyping based on ethnicity or race. If I call out someone else who might be behaving offensively, hmm...maybe if I turned it into a rap. Wrote a short story or poem about it. Cooked up some arepas or pupusas. Now that's culture.

Being PC isn't just *not* doing something. It's actively doing something to ensure that you are not being an offensive and inconsiderate prick. If it was as simple as not doing things, we'd have had this whole racism thing in the bag (that was sarcasm, but I hope you get the point.)

Point taken, but it seems that for a lot of folks, not doing something offensive and inconsiderate really isn't so simple. After all, that's kind of what defines a prick, eh?

Pretty much.

I will be the first to tell you I am a prick. It's fairly difficult for me to give a fuck if someone is offended if they brought something on themselves. Which is exactly why I work so hard to be "PC." Because I do believe in the principle at heart - of being mindful of unfair, hurtful shit and doing what you can to avoid that as your default stance. If someone is just responding to my being an asshole, then that's not their fault.

Progressive: I won't do business with EvilCorp because they discriminate against black people.
PC: They discriminate against African-Americans, you racist!