The Truth's Political Incorrectness: A Tank Top's Tale

The phrase politically correct first appeared in the 1930s to describe dogmatic adherence to ideology in totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. In the 1970s and 1980s, leftists used the term ironically to satirise those who were too rigid in their adherence to political orthodoxy. However, in the late 20th century, the term took on a new, pejorative meaning as conservative critics of the New Left began to use it to describe a form of censorship and suppression of criticism.

In the context of media and politics, post-truth politics often involves the manipulation of information or the spread of misinformation to shape public perceptions and advance political agendas. This can include deceptive communication, disinformation, rumour bombs, and fake news. The arrival of new communication and media technologies has also played a significant role in the rise of post-truth politics, as anyone can now create and circulate content that has the generic characteristics of news, further blurring the lines between truth and falsity.

The concept of political correctness has been a highly contested topic, with some arguing that it is used to downplay and divert attention from substantively discriminatory behaviour, while others see it as a way to challenge societal discrimination and create a more inclusive society.

The rise of post-truth politics

The phrase "politically correct" first appeared in the 1930s to describe dogmatic adherence to ideology in totalitarian regimes such as Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. In the early-to-mid 20th century, the phrase was used to describe strict adherence to a range of ideological orthodoxies within politics.

In the 1970s, the American New Left began using the term, with an ironic or self-deprecating sense, to describe someone whose loyalty to the party line overrode compassion and led to bad politics. The modern pejorative usage of the term emerged from conservative criticism of the New Left in the late 20th century, with many describing it as a form of censorship.

In the 21st century, "post-truth politics" has emerged as a concept to describe a recent historical period where political culture is marked by public anxiety about what claims can be accepted as facts. It suggests that the public distinction between truth and falsity, as well as honesty and lying, have become a focal concern of public life.

Post-truth politics is influenced by the arrival of new communication and media technologies, with the internet and social media playing a significant role. It often involves the manipulation of information or the spread of misinformation to shape public perceptions and advance political agendas. This can include intentional rumors, lies, conspiracy theories, and fake news.

As of 2018, political commentators have identified post-truth politics as ascendant in many nations, including Australia, Brazil, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Brexit referendum in the UK and the 2016 US presidential election, won by Donald Trump, have been cited as examples of post-truth politics in action, with falsehoods and lies playing a significant role in the campaigns.

Post-truth politics is characterized by appeals to emotion and the repetition of talking points, with factual rebuttals often being ignored. It differs from traditional contesting and falsifying of facts by relegating facts and expert opinions to secondary importance relative to emotional appeals. This has led to concerns that post-truth politics could lead to a new form of totalitarianism or populist dictatorship.

The combination of populist movements with social media is often held responsible for the rise of post-truth politics. Individuals can shape their media consumption around their own opinions and prejudices, and populist leaders encourage this by spreading fear, rumor, and gossip, which can spread quickly and carry more weight than facts and evidence. Charismatic leaders create a populist mood that distinguishes their rhetoric from conventional politics.

While post-truth politics has been described as a contemporary problem, some observers argue that it is a long-standing part of political life that has become more notable due to technological advancements and social changes.

Political correctness as a conspiracy theory

Political correctness has been labelled a conspiracy theory by some conservative commentators in the West, who argue that it is part of a conspiracy with the ultimate goal of undermining Judeo-Christian values. This theory, known as "Cultural Marxism", holds that political correctness originates from the critical theory of the Frankfurt School. The theory was first proposed by Michael Minnicino in a 1992 essay published in a Lyndon LaRouche movement journal, and was later popularised by conservative commentator Patrick Buchanan in his 2001 book, "The Death of the West".

The idea that political correctness is a conspiracy theory is not new, and has been used for centuries by both liberal and conservative sides of government. However, it gained particular traction in the early 1990s, when a wave of stories began to appear in newspapers and magazines, warning of a growing "intolerance" and "closing of debate" in American universities. This was fuelled by conservative criticism of the New Left in the late 20th century, which portrayed political correctness as a form of censorship and an attempt to silence "unwelcome beliefs and ideas".

The term "political correctness" itself emerged in the 1930s to describe dogmatic adherence to ideology in totalitarian regimes such as Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was used ironically by leftists to satirise those who were too rigid in their adherence to political orthodoxy. However, by the late 1980s, the term had taken on a more serious and pejorative meaning, describing a preference for inclusive language and avoidance of language or behaviour that could be seen as excluding or insulting to disadvantaged groups.

While the concept of political correctness is often associated with liberal or left-wing politics, it is important to note that both sides of the political spectrum have been accused of enforcing their own forms of political correctness to suppress criticism and advance their agendas. In recent years, there has been a backlash against political correctness, with concerns raised about its potential impact on freedom of speech and open exchange of ideas.

Right-wing political correctness

The phrase "politically correct" was first used in the 1930s to describe dogmatic adherence to ideology in totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. In the 1970s and 1980s, leftists used the term ironically to satirise those who were too rigid in their adherence to political orthodoxy. However, in the late 20th century, the modern pejorative usage of the term emerged from conservative criticism of the New Left.

RWPC also involves rebranding terms to imply that certain marginalised groups do not exist, such as using "mental illness" instead of "transgender". This tactic increases scorn and denies the existence and experiences of these groups.

Another aspect of RWPC is the use of patriotic or nationalist language to increase bias and divert attention from substantive matters of societal discrimination. For instance, instead of using the term "universal healthcare", RWPC would use "socialised medicine" or "communism", playing on fears of un-American ideologies.

Furthermore, RWPC involves portraying conservatives as victims of "liberal media" or "coastal elites", despite often holding positions of power and influence. This tactic helps to create an "us vs them" dynamic and rally support for conservative causes.

In summary, right-wing political correctness involves the strategic use of language to increase offence, scorn, and political bias, while diverting attention from substantive matters of societal discrimination. It is a powerful tool used by conservatives to shape public discourse and rally support for their causes.

The role of the media in political correctness

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and influencing societal norms. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for political correctness in media platforms, driven by increasing social consciousness, particularly among younger generations. This has sparked debates about the role of the media in political correctness and whether it should prioritize unbiased reporting or adhere to politically correct language.

Some argue that the media should serve as an unbiased platform that calls out injustices and inequalities. They believe that while political correctness is important, it should not compromise the truth. For instance, in the case of Kobe Bryant, some argue that the allegations against him should have been reported, regardless of his death, as omitting such information could be seen as controlling people's views and opinions.

On the other hand, others argue that political correctness is necessary to ensure respectful and orderly reporting. They believe that as long as the news is conveyed without derogatory language, it should be shared with the public. Additionally, the media's role in political correctness extends beyond just language. It also involves the types of stories that are covered and how they are framed.

The media's influence on public opinion is significant, and its role in political correctness can shape societal attitudes and behaviors. By adopting politically correct language and highlighting certain stories over others, the media can contribute to creating a more inclusive and respectful society. However, it is important to strike a balance and ensure that political correctness does not hinder honest discussions or become a tool for controlling narratives.

In conclusion, the media's role in political correctness is complex and multifaceted. While it is essential to use language that avoids offending marginalized groups, it is also crucial to ensure that political correctness does not become a form of censorship or a way to control public opinion. The media must strive to find a balance between political correctness and honest, unbiased reporting.

The impact of political correctness on language

The term "political correctness" (PC) describes language, policies, or measures that aim to minimise offence to individuals based on their identity, such as race, gender, culture, or sexual orientation. The concept has sparked debates, criticism, and ridicule from various political perspectives. The term "politically incorrect" refers to language or ideas that may cause offence or deviate from orthodoxy.

The political correctness movement, which gained momentum in the 1970s, challenges the use of offensive and exclusionary language. It argues that language shapes our perception of reality and influences our thoughts and actions. According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, our thought processes are influenced by the language we use, and language can promote biases and shape our response to reality.

However, critics of political correctness argue that it amounts to censorship and curtails free speech. They claim that it imposes restrictions on behaviour and perceives offensive language where none may exist. Some believe that the term "politically correct" has been used as a derisive label to hinder attempts to curb hate speech and minimise exclusionary practices.

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