How to fix political correctness?

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:22:17 -0400

In todays pc world many find themselves on the wrong side of the aisle so to speak because of how they were raised or what they believe. How do we fix this in the military? Can we fix it in the military? It disgusts me that as a profession of arms we are worried more about hurting peoples feelings instead of protecting rights, freedoms and individuality. We talk about diversity a lot but it seems to me we can only be diverse in the sense of the civilian populations definition. Off my soap box. Look forward to reading the responses.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 9:29 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:29:35 -0400

Currently there is a large amount of tension polictially and socially surrounding race, religion, sexual oreintation, and a number of other cultural issues. I think this tension is causing a great deal of the efforts to take being PC to a differnent level across the forces. As our society works out its own differences on these topics I see some of the over-reaching PC policies or beliefs relaxing.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jul 9 at 2015 9:36 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:36:45 -0400

Refuse to play the game. Why should the mob make the rules?

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Jul 9 at 2015 10:29 PM

PO2 Skip Kirkwood — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 22:29:28 -0400

Interesting question. It will take courage - because some will have superiors who are infected with the PC bug.

What I don't understand is that "tough" is an unstated core military value. How can one be both tough and "easily offended." I just don't see the two of them going together very well.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 9 at 2015 11:11 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:11:32 -0400

Get rid of all whambulances?

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Jul 9 at 2015 11:46 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:46:26 -0400

Make it an indictable offense with punishment of 10 to 20!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 10 at 2015 7:12 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 07:12:51 -0400

Why should one person's "belief" outweigh another person's "feelings?" Neither has anything to do with mission?

People complain about "Political Correctness" but fail to realize it is nothing more than exercising Tact, a Leadership Trait.

So it really boils down to treating others with respect, especially in a hierarchical organization. Authority & Power over others comes with a Responsibility not to impose our personal will on others. It's not about protecting feelings, it's about ensuring their freedoms are maintained, just like we do for the civilian populace, because they are in a position where they cannot speak back without fear of repercussion. Regardless of how approachable you are, you've still got a heck of a lot more stripes, and saying SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member "I've got a problem with X" is hard to do for a young E2.

Response by TSgt Brian Herman made Jun 21 at 2016 12:09 PM

TSgt Brian Herman — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:09:36 -0400

Can't stop "PC", because you can't identify where it comes from.