Rethinking Political Correctness

Class #10 – Rethinking Political Correctness

Summary: Political correctness has created barriers in organizations because it causes people to tiptoe around issues and one another. Because of this, conflict can arise from misunderstandings of root issues. Try to take a step back and question your own beliefs of the issues and create a comfortable environment to discuss differences.

Introduction

1. Interactions among people of different races, genders, religions etc., are confronted daily with sensitive issues surrounding political correctness (PC).

a. Most embrace understanding and committed to equity

b. This can prevent growing relationships at work

2. PC causes fear of blame and judgment

a. Fear of representing their group

b. Draw own conclusions which causes polarization

c. Resentment

3. Need to give workers skills rather than rules to build relationships across differences

4. "Majorities" and "Minorities" suffer

a. Majorities feel like they can't speak candidly

b. Minorities feel like they can't discuss their fears

5. Apply these principles to ease tension

a. Pause – relieves the initial emotional reaction

b. Connect – affirms importance of relationship

c. Question yourself – what makes me defensive?

d. Get support – not someone to validate your reasons, but perhaps challenge them

e. Shift your mind-set – from someone else's problem, to YOUR problem. What can I change?

Identity Abrasions

1. Assaults to one's identity that causes one to feel like others don't respect them or value their input.

a. Causes