Is "Political Correctness" just good manners by another name?

I think "political correctness language" is stupid. It's impolite to call a disabled person a "gimp" but it's downright stupid to call a disabled person "differently abled" or "challenged." I have respiratory disabilities, so just how is a "different ability" to freaking BREATHE??? And calling American Indians "native Americans," sheesh. What do you call someone who was born in Minnesota, Arizona, Tennessee, or Ohio? They are "native Americans." (For the record, I'm part Eastern Band Cherokee.) I would also say that it is perfectly acceptable in modern society to make fun of religious beliefs, Christianity in particular. "Fundamentalist kooks," "Baptist weirdos," "religious nuts," etc. are uttered all the time...and nobody calls the people saying it on it. We accept that type of insult as "normal." The bottom line: America has lost its sense of humor. We can't see Speedy Gonzalas cartoons because someone who is not Spanish is offended (and hasn't ever asked anyone of Spanish descent if they're offended). Speedy Gonzalas cartoons are loved in Latin America (which is another term I don't get -- "Latin" is a language from Italy, not Central America!), but we can't see them in the U.S. because someone who isn't part of the "minority group" depicted in the cartoons has their panties in a bunch.

If being politically correct is being unable to call things by their proper name for fear of upsetting a small minority, then that does differ from good manners.

Is it incorrect for me to mention the D Trump name here? Gentle and considerate ways are a nicer way to flow down the stream.

There are times that I feel people are being overly politically correct, though at this tired, sleepy moment, I cannot think of examples. I think kindness should be the norm. I think rudeness is always incorrect. However, I do agree with the response about sometimes people taking things too seriously and lacking a sense of humor. As a mother, I always tell my kids that it is no longer "funny" if the other person doesn't like it or if it hurts their feelings. (in response to "I was JUST joking mom!" about whatever meanness wash happening between siblings)... So I think that's sort of wherein the problem may lie.... Some people maybe aren't trying to belittle someone, but others may take it that way. And therefore, if it is viewed wrong, then they should stop. It used to be ok to sexually harass women in the workplace (to an extent) and that obviously had to change. As in the response about Indians versus Native Americans, I should ask my extended family. We have Cherokee blood in us, my cousin is more than half, my mom is something like 1/8 or so... But I do wonder how my cousin would view it. I sometimes think it goes a bit too far when people think we shouldn't have something as a mascot, for example The Indians or The Chiefs.... Usually, a mascot is a character of which the town is proud.... so I don't always understand why folks get upset on that particular point. But being unkind, being rude, being prejudice, being hurtful... those are all wrong, all of the time.

I agree with Mr. Muddle whole-heartedly. When certain political leaders criticize others for being "politically correct," I find myself agreeing with the ones they are criticizing, NOT the ones who are complaining about political correctness. I see nothing wrong with being politically correct. It was the way I was raised ... to be kind and considerate in the things I say. I always thought most other Christians and members of other religions were raised the same way ... but apparently not.

I just saw this discussion now. But I totally agree and am constantly saying this to people. I was raised to be polite and considerate. It is nothing to do with political correctness, just treating each other as fellow humans.

I think that we should call things with their name, without being offensive, or racists, but also without hiding the truth just to please everybody.