What are the pros and cons of political correctness?

This position holds that political correctness is bad for society. It argues that PC norms restrict open discussion of difficult issues and so block progress, that suppressing ideas only drives them toward polarisation, and that political correctness stands opposed to free speech.

This position holds that political correctness is necessary and useful. It argues that PC norms maintain respect in debate, protect minority groups and help define the boundaries of a decent society — and that those who oppose it are often seeking to make prejudice acceptable again.

This position holds that political correctness is neither good nor bad for society. It argues PC norms do not actually eradicate controversial views—they merely censor their expression rather than changing what people truly think—so their overall effect is essentially neutral.