"Political correctness does not legislate tolerance; it only organizes hatred"
- Jacques Barzun
About this Quote
In this quote, Jacques Barzun is highlighting the restrictions of political correctness. He argues that while political accuracy might intend to promote tolerance and approval, it ultimately stops working to do so. Instead, it only serves to arrange and sustain hatred. This is due to the fact that political correctness frequently focuses on superficial and performative actions, instead of addressing the origin of intolerance and discrimination. By simply legislating particular language and behaviors, political accuracy does not truly promote understanding and compassion. Instead, it can produce an incorrect sense of approval while underlying prejudices and biases continue to exist. Barzun's quote works as a reminder that true tolerance and approval can not be accomplished through superficial steps, however rather through genuine efforts to comprehend and respect others.
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