The term should not be “political correctness.” It should be “polite correctness.” The word “political” makes the “government” the focus, and the supposed culprit of all the dissention, whereas the word “polite correctness,” puts the responsibility where it belongs, which is on the individual. Should we not always be asking ourselves, “Am I being polite, or am I a big part of the problem?” It was not the government that enforced a law that the “N” word had to stop being used. It was those in the black community that rightfully complained that the “N” word was derogatory, and that they wanted people to respect them by using the term “Black.” Now, in “polite” company, people use the term “black.” The Canadian government has never forced people to either use words, or to stop using words. As civilians, we monitor our own language. And if a citizen feels forced to use words that show respect for a certain group, then that person should take the complaint to the Supreme Court if he or she feels it is necessary, but we should not blame the leaders of the government. Concerning language, when it pertains to likes and dislikes, politicians are just ordinary citizens.
June Vandermark
McBride, BC
