[lbo-talk] On the term, "Political correctness"

[Carrol Cox]

Jim Farmelant
> 
> I think that the term "political correctness" was originally coined by
leftists
> back in the 1960s or 1970s to poke fun of sectarianism run amuck.  But
yes,
> this term has long since been hijacked by the Right, so with possibly, a
> handful of exceptions, there is little point in progressives using this
term,
> since its usage generally gives aid and comfort to reactionaries.

I think this is roughly the case. In the '60s the phrasing was often
"correct lineism." "Political Correctness," according to one account I read
long ago, was first used in the feminist movement in a self-mocking way.
Then it was used by the first Bush in a commencement address.  Since then it
has been a rightist staple: it seems to mean something like, "I have a
fundamental right to be an asshole" and you are violating my human rights if
you object."

Carrol