Mark Berley Quote

“Political correctness is really a subjective list put together by the few to rule the many -- a list of things one must think, say, or do. It affronts the right of the individual to establish his or her own beliefs.”

~ Mark Berley

Argos, Spring 1998

Ratings and Comments


Me Again
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Me Again    8/28/05

This is BS.

Anonymous, Reston, VA US

All too often this is indeed the case... and PC should not be confused with base decentcy and respect for others (which is not what this quote seems to be about).

Larry Paradise, Rogue River,OR

I concur absolutely. We appear to be held hostage to others that feel it their duty to insist we phrase our every thought in a manner which makes them comfortable - and perhaps elevate their status, in their minds, beyond that which they deserve.

P.M.
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P.M.    8/29/05
Joe, Rochester, MI

Socialists create lists of "political correctness".

Dwayne, Jefferson City, MO

Yes they do Joe... How right you are.

Anonymous, Reston, VA US

PC should not be confused with acting decently and treating others with respect... PC achieves neither of these laudable goals.

Terry Berg, Occidental, CA

One star for showing up. I think this quote misses the factors of the innate (native) tribal tendencies of humans to, at almost all levels of any social structure EXCEPT at the very top level(s), 'tow the party line'. Darwin was closer to the 'truth' than even he might have imagined. Witness the Scopes' "monkey trial". The 'right of the individual to establish his or her own beliefs' is entirely intact. The willingness to make use of and the willingness to defend that right is, and always has been, meager. At this very moment, the top echelon of our 'elected' leaders are dilligently at work devising ways to, slowly but surely, relieve us of many, if not most or all, of the rights formerly guaranteed by the Constitution - all in the name of promoting such concepts as 'freedom' and security and 'morality'.

MIchael, Houston

AWESOME! Someone has finally recognized the thought police for what they are....and as stated above, this has NOTHING to do with decency and politeness in discourse. In fact, PC seems to actually give "license" for the very opposite to those who are attacking one who is unPC.

warren, olathe

Obvious truth that any one with a brain already knew. Still a good quote. Political correctness is just fascist tactics as the left has always used them. Read the quote Terry. What are you talking about?

Mike, Norwalk

Political Correctness (PC) is a term created to describe a finite body of philosophy and action here accurately described by Mark Berley. PC is not a proponent of law, justice, or as Anon from Reston said "acting decently and treating others with respect" For Terry, the Monkey Trials were all about PC and not about any freedom. The right of the individual to establish his or her own beliefs was entirely intact prior to the case. The case was a coordinated set of events to create a judicially legislated national establishment of religion, voiding all competing thoughts or teachings on the subject. It has helped to produce a more repressive PC regime than existed prior.

jim k, austin,tx

If anyone thinks will bring this country down, it is worshiping at the altar of political correctness. You must not say anything that could possibly offend anyone or the thought police may come knocking at your door , and look out if you ever say anything to offend a muslim. They can chop off heads , strap bombs to their children, blow up their own people , but for goodness sake, don't offend them. That's what PC is all about.

J Carlton, Calgary

Political correctness here in Canada is being taken to new heights. Human Rights Commissions are now being used as "Thought Police". Usually by the visible minorities against non visible minorities and enforced by government. Political correctness actually blurs the lines of decency and perverts law.

THE REAL ME AGAIN

Sounds right to me.

E Archer, NYC

Yes.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

All of the quotes today are great stuff in my view. I don't it would have hurt for Sinclair to accept the Pulitzer though. It is good for us to think outside of the box but also to be open to recognize when an idea, method, system, procedure, or public policy is good as is and how and why it got that way. To always think outside of the box means one thinks everything done before is somehow erroneous. Political correctness knows no party or left or right persuasion. For many it is polictical correct to say that "The USA is a republic not a democracy". I say that that expression or phrase is a false hood. I don't care how PC it may be to those who mouth or print it it is still a damnable lie.

Ken, Allyn, WA

I would much rather have anyone say any damn thing they please. It makes it so much easier to identify the fools among us. Now that I think about it, that may be the whole point of political correctness-to protect the fools.

RobertSRQ
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RobertSRQ    4/30/08

PC is meaningless when it comes to the reality of politics – just look at the tripe that’s being dealt by the media (especially Fox News) and the scotched-earth tactics of Hillary. PC doesn’t even come close to having substance anything - what a sham...

Ken, Allyn, WA

PC means never having to say you're sorry (if you're the right color).

warren, olathe

What movie did you see that in Robert?

JoW, Utah
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JoW, Utah    6/22/08

Both Berley & Ken speak the truth! Although, PC I think can have substance. As a cannon fodder for the attention of those who are obligated to it. I'm reminded of an example of an early English king who ruled behind his nobles back when they could have stopped if they noticed. But he kept them occupied with the fasion of clothes he wore. If they wern't up to spat with the king they were frowned opon. The case is the same with political correctness, it takes our attention away from what really matters.

Ronw13, Yachats Or

To bind the minds and yoke the mouth of upcoming citizens ! From the understanding of, our once free Republic, under siege !

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