The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

I'll be the first to admit there are times when even I'll mumble to myself, "Wait, that's causing an uproar on Twitter? Why? What's offensive about that?" However, for the most part, I see political correctness as a good thing. The definition of the term is: "the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against." So why do so many, on both sides of the political spectrum, particularly on the right, often complain about political correctness? One thing that likely frustrates many about political correctness is the fact it constantly changes. What was considered unoffensive 5 years ago may be seen as offensive today. The PC-world can often times feel like venturing to a family get-together over the holidays, featuring many relatives whom you haven't seen in a while. You're kind of...

As seems to be typical anymore, I had an interesting bar discussion over the weekend - this time, with a self-described conservative Republican. I say "self-described," because after talking to him, it was difficult for me to see him as a member of the modern-day Republican Party. Here's a brief rundown of what this man believes: 1) Supports women's reproductive rights 2) Supports gays' rights 3) Supports taxing the rich a bit more 4) Supports conserving our environment 5) Is an NRA member, but supports what he calls "common sense gun-control laws" 6) Does not support the Citizens United ruling 7) Loathes the Tea Party 8) Doesn't believe Ronald Reagan would make it in today's Republican Party 9) Thinks lobbyists are the worst thing since the Antichrist 10) Voted for Bush (W.) twice, McCain, and Romney, in the elections ranging from 2000 to 2012 Reading the first nine points, most people would assume this man was either an ...