Millennials are obsessed with political correctness. The good news is that people are noticing, from all sides of the political aisle. The bad news is that this may actually have become a generational value for Millennials.
Forbes is the bearer of bad news with Neil Howe’s piece on “Why Do Millennials Love Political Correctness? Generational Values.”
Howe points to the idea of political correctness in media and of course on college campuses. When it comes to these ‘safe spaces,’ Howe explains:
It’s almost ironic that the idea of political correctness would come from those seeking to be tolerant and inclusive. This is especially the case with how the term once referred to Mao or Stalin. Sarcastic or not, dictatorships aren’t very funny:
If it’s a generational value for Millennials, then they may be the only ones, as other generations have come to mock them. Comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock are even staying away from college campuses now.
Presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Ben Carson, who are quite different in many respects, can at least be tied together for their rejection of this political correctness. And, both are polling exceedingly well.
Both have also taken heat for statements they’ve made. But, why is their outrageousness so much more outrageous than those who try to hush up and silence unpopular opinions? It’s because political correctness and sensitivity has now taken over free speech and the expression of thoughts and ideas.
The world, sadly, is not a politically correct place. If it indeed has become a generational value for Millennials to strive to make it one though, it’s not just that they’re going to be living in their own idealistic fantasy world. Millennials tend to be loud and angry enough, and so the hell with those who don’t agree with their plans for tolerance and inclusion. We may have to bow to the whims of a generation, or pay the price for not doing so.
