Gregory Freeman: The Debate Is About Sensitivity. P-D 2/9/1992

Headline: THE DEBATE IS ABOUT SENSITIVITY
Reporter: By Gregory Freeman

Publication: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Last Printed: Sun., Feb. 9, 1992
Section: NEWS, Page: 4B, Edition: LATE FIVE STAR

WHAT IS this thing, this ''political correct-ness''?
The phrase is being bandied about with wanton abandon these days by those who are either opposed to change and increased sensitivity or who are giving little more than lip service to the idea.

Let's be honest: The phrase itself is being pushed by those opposed to change.
     Those individuals criticize those who would suggest that our language be changed to make it less sexist.
     They criticize those who suggest that there is a need for U.S. and world history that is more inclusive, giving much more than a white American and European male point of view.
     They criticize women who don't want to see the contributions of women glossed over in history books.
     They criticize ethnic minorities who have decided that they want to be called by a certain name.

It seems to be fashionable these days for people to say that they are opposed to being ''politically correct.''
But are those who criticize increased sensitivity - a term that really is a lot more accurate than ''political correctness'' - not the same as those who stand in the way of change, no matter where it comes from?
Each time the concept of increased sensitivity is approached, these critics are the first to use extremes to make their points. A conservative radio talk show host the other day said that ''to be politically correct these days, we are being asked to call manholes 'personholes.' ''

I argue that that's not what this debate is all about. Instead, it's about being more sensitive to other cultures and to others who, for whatever reason, have not been taken into consideration in the past.
It means including black history throughout history curriculum, and not just during Black History Month.
It means broadening curriculums to note that women also have an important place in our history, not just men.

In common society, there is a certain amount of courtesy that we afford others. As part of this courtesy, we are generally willing to call people by the name they prefer.
     My wife's name is Elizabeth. She does not like to be called Liz. So, people who want my wife's attention will call her Elizabeth. Those who want to raise her ire call her Liz.
     Such is the case with other names. If American Indians prefer to be called Native Americans, I see no problem in calling them that. Their group, after all, was the only group native to this continent.
     If people of a darker hue prefer to be called either black or African-American, others are being rude to use the term 'colored' or 'Negro.'

The sensitivity debate rages on in academia. Old-line academics are tremendously resistant to any changes, to any realization that ours is a culture made up of many different cultures.
     In reaction to that resistance, the American Association of University Women is about to issue a report on the debate surrounding multiculturalism.
     In a draft of the report, the association writes: ''Critics have called ethnic studies and women's studies 'political, ' as if a curriculum that leaves women out altogether is not also 'political.'
     Multicultural work has been termed 'divisive' without recognizing that an exclusively white male curriculum is divisive when it ignores the contributions others make to society.
     ''Critics who insist that students must focus on our 'common heritage' appear to overlook the experiences of Native Americans as well as the immigrant history of the rest of the population, which makes diversity one of the key elements of the 'common' heritage of the United States. In a democracy, schools must address the educational needs of all students. Each student should find herself or himself reflected in the curriculum. When this happens, students learn and grow.''

Being more inclusive, seeking increased multiculturalism, has nothing to do with being ''politically correct.'' It has everything to do with a recognition that we are not monolithic. America prides itself on its many cultures. Those cultures are the backbone of this country. From the Irish to the Germans, from those of African descent to those who trace their roots to Asia, from those whose families came from Russia to those whose ancestors came from Hungary, we are all Americans and we have all made contributions to this society. Multiculturalism asks only that that fact be recognized.

And if that is what ''political correctness'' is all about, let us hope that we see more of it in the coming years.

Daniel Schesch - Webweaver

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