Origins of Political Correctness

From page 145 How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith by Crystal Downing.



"Maintaining binaries - sometimes by inverting them - is so easy that many of Derrida's followers strayed from deconstruction by stumbling into "political correctness". Welcoming his message that those traditionally marginalized by dominant culture - gays, blacks, women - should be given voice, these followers missed Derrida's point and merely inverted the heiarchy, repudiating straight white males. As postmodern theologian Mark C. Taylor stated in his obituary for Derrida, " Betraying Mr. Derrida's insights by creating a culture of political correctness, his self-styled supporters fueled the culture wars that have been raging for more than two decades and continue to frame political debate." In contrast, Derrida argued that "it is necessary to recognize the unavoidable limitations and inherent contradictions in the ideas and norms that guide our actions, and do so in a way that keeps them open to constant questioning and continual revision. There can be no ethical action without critical reflection."

Yes, I think perhaps we should be open to and practice constant questioning and make continual revision and correction of ourselves.