Dear Editor,

There’s no such thing as over-political correctness, especially on a college campus as diverse as Syracuse.

Honestly I am confused about what over-political correctness is. How can someone overdo their desire to have their identity respected? That is almost as dumb as saying you can overdo binge watching “Parks and Recreation” on Netflix. “Political Correctness” in dictionary terms is defined as “the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.”

The issue I have with this definition is that it perpetuates the invalid belief that people from a marginalized group can take to extremes their need not to be insulted. Make no mistake, that definition is rooted within white, straight and male privilege.

As a society we are incredibly afraid of being told we are wrong. To many of us, the thought of being told we have done or said something ignorant, threatens our own self-identity causing some to shut down. Even those of us who consider ourselves as being “woke” are guilty of the occasional microaggression due to the privileges in our complex intersectional identity that we don’t even fully realize.

I am guilty as charged. I always considered myself a pretty socially aware member of society but then was challenged by a professor to take a closer look at some of my actions. I have casually said things like “What’s up man?” or assumed other people’s identity without a second of hesitation because ignorance is bliss. I don’t think I am alone here, come on — let’s be real.

Alright, then stop and realize we deserve to be called out. However, make no mistake, it is not on disadvantaged groups to educate us about our own privilege. It’s our job to watch what we say, do, think and value on top of making sure we are electing individuals who are holding themselves to that same accountability.

We are a flawed species. But as Frank Ocean said, “I do believe we try.” And we need to keep trying, and trying, and striving to be better, like we are running up on a down escalator. So no I don’t believe we can be too politically correct, and Orange family, you shouldn’t either.

Obi Afriyie

Masters Candidate: Cultural Foundations of Education

Published on October 29, 2018 at 6:38 pm