What's It All About
You want to know what all this has to do with political correctness, right? All this talk about bigotry, individuality, and all you want to know are the right things to say to avoid offending others, to avoid discomfort.
Well, the point of all this is there are no right words or labels which provide protection from being offensive. The mere desire to be politically correct in word or deed is flat out misguided. That's the bad news.
The good news is that there is no list of do's and don'ts. There is only respect.
Find Out What It Means To Me
Respect frees us. Once we determine that respect will guide our actions and words, we need no longer worry about offending others. Respect doesn't require that you like anyone. It only requires that you treat others as you would have them treat you. Respect is transcendent.
And should the need arise to use a word or label to which someone takes offense, they'll let you know. And just like you would respect Bill's desire to be called "Bill" and William's desire for "William," respect their wishes, too.
