Accusations of politically correct thought control have become a pathetic and transparent excuse for lazy racists, sexists and Islamophobes the land over. Challenging PC has become a game of chicken for bigots - daring each other to run out into the busy PC motorway and say something stupid before dashing back for cover.Let's stand that on its head (we'll get nearer the truth):
Accusations of racism, sexism and Islamophobia against those who criticize political correctness have become a pathetic and transparent excuse for lazy media elites the world over. Defending PC has become a game of chicken for idiots - daring each other to run out into the busy mainstream and shout some insults before dashing back for cover.There are valid and cogent criticisms of political correctness, particularly in so far as it impinges on freedom of speech. Ignoring these issues and resorting to name-calling does nothing to advance discussion. But then maybe I'm taking Brigstocke too seriously. After all, he's a joker not a thinker.
But, while I'm at it, what really rankles about Brigstocke's piece is that, after condemning racists and bigots in his opening paragraphs, he goes on to use a couple of pretty offensive characterizations in writing about his fellow Europeans.
In pursuing his point, Brigstocke imagines "some greasy, lank-haired French lad called Didier [...] wearing his rucksack on his front" and "some piggy-faced blond boy called Heinrich [who] came and ate everything in your fridge". Is that really the politically correct way to talk about one's neighbors?
Rank hypocrisy or postmodern humor? Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
