Politically correct standards encourage proper use of free speech

The argument

Our society's political correctness enables people to use free speech wisely—this standard does not hinder it. Although our culture has standards of political correctness, these do not prevent people from sharing their opinion. They are still free to share their opinions, free of censorship. The distinction the argument rests on is between what may be said and how it is said, and political correctness operates only on the second of those. Political correctness simply helps people to express their opinions wisely, in a manner that avoids hurting others. Politically correct standards give people an awareness of ideas and words that hurt disadvantaged people — information most speakers would not otherwise have, since the harm a particular term carries is usually clearest to the people it is aimed at and easiest to miss for everyone else. Armed with this awareness, individuals can prevent using their free speech in a derogatory way. For this reason, political correctness is actually an asset to society. It enables people to share their opinions in an unoffensive way, ultimately encouraging the free flow of ideas rather than restricting it. Being politically correct means using non-offensive and non-controversial language. It ensures respect between two individuals or groups in acknowledging their differences in history and background, and that respect is a precondition for a conversation rather than an obstacle to one: people who have been insulted tend to leave the discussion, and whatever they would have contributed leaves with them. A standard that keeps more people in the exchange therefore widens it. In doing so, politically correct standards encourages the proper use of free speech in not harming others with words, and so does not harm society.

Premises

Counter-arguments

Although political correctness began as a courtesy, it has grown into a standard that harms civil discourse. While discussing controversial issues, people cannot speak with peace of mind. They fear being "canceled" simply because they are ignorant of popular terminology. Political correctness has grown from a simple courtesy to a harmful form of censorship. This sort of censorship is unforgiving to those who may be politically incorrect but mean no harm to the party the statement was directed at. Further, to establish politically correct standards for everyone is against the First Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees free speech. In 1971, the Supreme Court ruled in Cohen v. California that it is constitutional to "use certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages." Politically correct standards would therefore not be a proper use of free speech for many people.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Establishing politically correct standards is against the First Amendment of the Constitution. [Rejecting P2] Being "politically incorrect" often doesn't qualify as hate speech as it's unintentional It is still possible to have respect for people of different backgrounds and cultures without holding to a politically correct standard.