There has been much ado about being politically correct when engaging with outside others over this past couple of years. The question I would like to put to you all is this, “Would there ever be a time when being politically correct might be harmful?” I am not talking about the ugly, abusive types of “isms” often hurled at people. In a nutshell, ‘political correctness’ means avoiding language and actions that insult, exclude or harm people who are already experiencing disadvantage and discrimination. Most of us recognize that definition in the broadest manner and respect it as being necessary. What I am talking about here are those things that hold people accountable for their own actions – so it is a behavioral issue as opposed to a biological issue. Political correctness is intended to help us use language that helps instead of harms. Whether the discrimination comes from racism, homophobia, sexism or transphobia, the bottom line remains the same. ‘Being PC’ just means you understand that your actions affect people who are vulnerable to discrimination. While things can occasionally get out of hand when people forget what certain concepts such as ‘cultural appropriation’ mean, it’s important that we’re all aware of the effects of our actions and words. So how would you answer my stated question, “Would there ever be a time when being politically correct might be harmful?” Feel free to start a conversation and explain your answer as fully as you can. Let’s keep a civil discourse as always.