Political Correctness Isn’t Just A Millennial Problem

Viharachard Dorval/Staff Writer

The mantra, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” has been carved into my brain since the age of eight. It’s something I would often sing to myself as I got ready to face the grim reality of eight-hour school days or four-hour long church services on Sunday morning.

Though it never protected me from the mean kids or the angry pastor, I still held on to the notion that words wouldn’t penetrate me if I equipped myself with confidence and knowledge of my surroundings.

Then, a couple years ago, the idea of political correctness swooped onto my social media feeds and in everyday life, now holding the bullies I once knew accountable. There would be consequences for people who were careless and malicious with their words.

The sweet smell of justice filled my nostrils for a while; that is, until I came across Dave Chappelle’s “Sticks and Stones” comedy special.

Sitting in between my parents, I held my breath as he spat out phrases like, “I don’t believe you,” or as he insinuated a child could be thrilled at the chance of a high profile celebrity molesting them.

The cringiest bit of it all was the roaring laughter coming from both sides of the couch. I realized rather quickly that the sole purpose of this comedy special was offending the younger, more politically correct generation and entertaining the older. And it succeeded; I was triggered and my family members were beside themselves with laughter. 

Had millennials and Gen Zers alike become the poster children for Generation PC or Generation sensitive? Or had our older counterparts simply refused to evolve and change with the times?

I think it’s both.

Although the term “politically correct” dates back as far as the 1700s, it’s definitely a defining factor among generational gaps. Your childhood hero, whether a teacher or movie star, can go from beloved to #canceled in a matter of seconds due to a non-PC comment.

And rightfully so. A person’s blatant ignorance or carelessness should be taken to task by the community that serves them.

But by the same token, as disgusted as I was for most of Chappelle’s act, I couldn’t help bursting into laughter during his description of the rising heroin epidemic among young white people. With all the knowledge I have of how damaging addiction can be, I still found it amusing. Had someone peeked through our window, I’m certain every last one of us, young and old, would have either lost a job or faced suspension from school.

Outrage, in most of our society, is selective. If the “controversy” doesn’t directly affect us, it’s less likely to be considered a problem; that goes for young and old people. The notion that someone is overly sensitive stems from a lack of empathy and understanding. At the same time, cancel culture perpetuates the same absence of compassion.

Instead of scoffing in disgust at my parents, I instead met them with information they wouldn’t have access to. Although the chance of being dismissed is high, it’s imperative that both generations put in the work to bridge the age gap.

 

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