Politically Correct

What is this term "politically correct", and why are we so obsessed with it?

For starters, let us disambiguate such a statement.  On the surface, it suggests the esteemed approval of the political figures; as to say, politically correct statements have the stamp of approval from President Barack Obama ... but is that really where the term lies?

It might just be me, but I think politicians represent all that is wrong with the world.  Plato once said that in order for the world to develop in a successful manner, we must trust in philosopher kings for needed change.  These days, all we do is buy into whatever bullshit political parties spit out, pick a side, and vote.  Of course, our false confidence in whatever media conglomerate we see these politicians through forces us to believe most of the blatant lies they drown us with; but what's really important is that we trust our media coverage so much that we cannot think for ourselves.

Moving forward, the term "politically correct" may signify a stamp of approval from Barack Obama; and I argue even that is a tainted definition of approval, however I take these two words to mean something totally different. Perhaps my polysemic understanding of such a term is rooted in my upbringing as a jaded New Yorker, but I absolutely detest when people need to be "politically correct".

To me, "politically correct" merely means that even a politician would speak in such terms publicly.  Now, I ask you; given my aforementioned understanding of politicians ... aren't most statements of political correctness just lies draped in the fancy cloth of the mass media?  I think the term just demeans whatever true statement is hidden behind it!

My mom once taught me; if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything.
Or be an asshole but suffer the consequences ...

Essentialism in Aesthetics

In art, essentialism represents the inherent strengths and weaknesses of various forms of communication.  That is to say, a painting does little justice to the speed of a WWII dogfight, but the attention to detail allows the viewer to inspect each subtle grain of inspiration.  Although artists are innately limited by their physical talents, it's still important to respect essentialist boundaries of media for several reasons.


Take, for instance, this National Guard commercial ... 3 Doors Down ft. The National Guard.  When I saw this video, I actually couldn't believe that the National Guard could make such a mockery of war as to align it with a mainstream music video.  I am no soldier, but I do know that war is hell; and although the National Guard isn't exactly our first line of defense, I couldn't help but view this as poor taste.  This commercial is a perfect example of media violating essentialist limitations, and therefor sending the wrong message ... at least to me.


Moving forward with the physical limitations of media, it is also important to use such limitations as markers for your fan base.  For instance, a classical melody about the perils of teenage drug use may send the desired message ... but to the wrong people.  


Lastly, is the risk of sending the opposite message!  My favorite example >>> Talking Dog = Awesome!
Okay, for starters ... if my dog started talking to me, I'd probably start hoarding whatever drug I was on when it happened, because I have a lot of questions for her.  Truthfully, the only way to stop drug abuse is through actual education.  This is why such commercials as "Above the Influence" often miss the mark when choosing a message to convey to their kids.