POLITICAL CORRECTNESS
Rep. Mike Morley
As I have driven back and forth to Salt Lake over the past couple of months, I’ve noticed a billboard with the line “your country is dying from political correctness”. I must admit, with the image of a burning flag and bold letters proclaiming “FIGHT PC”, I at first dismissed it as being a little too in-your-face. But, as I’ve seen the message again and again, I’ve begun to wonder if it doesn’t contain a grain of truth.
The textbook definition of political correctness is “language, ideas, policies, or behavior seen as seeking to minimize offense to racial, cultural, or other identity groups”. Strictly speaking, that’s not such a bad thing – to make a conscious effort to not offend others, particularly in ways they are most sensitive. Unfortunately, political correctness in our society has come to mean limiting some rights and freedoms of the whole in favor of the few.
The Ten Commandments have been removed from many public buildings and spaces and this issue now appears to be headed to the Supreme Court. It doesn’t matter that the principles they teach have given strength and morality to our and many other nations over the past several thousand years and are the basis for many of our laws. It is no longer politically correct for me to wish someone “Merry Christmas”. Rather, I should say “Happy Holidays” to be inclusive to those who celebrate Hannakuh or Kwanzaa. Prayer is now an activity to be shunned in public, as is any recognition of the role God has played in the founding and continued success of our country.
Last month, I visited the home of a business colleague. I felt honored to be asked to participate with him and his family as they celebrated a Hindu holiday. I enjoy being wished a Happy Hannukuh by a Jewish friend and believe my reply of “Merry Christmas” is well received. Celebrating Columbus Day doesn’t mean I am oblivious to the oppression of the ancestors of my Native American sister. It simply means that I recognize the greatness of a man who, with single-minded determination, faced disappointment, ridicule, and unimaginable hardships to follow what he believed (and what I also believe) was the will of God and succeed in discovering a new land.
Certainly, we can all be a little more sensitive to the beliefs, views, and cultural identity of our friends and neighbors. We can show respect to others without sacrificing or minimizing our own values and customs; without letting go of the traditions, the practices and beliefs that have built this great country, this “nation under God”. So, I joyfully wish you a Merry Christmas!
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