Has our nation become too politically correct?

Respecting other cultures, watching your words and keeping up with proper pronouns is important. But telling a 6-year-old child she can’t dress up like a Native American for Halloween because it is “cultural appropriation” is a bit too far.

Our country is so concerned with not offending people that we have forgotten that, sometimes, the truth hurts.

Initially, I set out to write an article advising people to say “Happy holidays!” instead of “Merry Christmas!” in order to avoid offending those who don’t celebrate Christmas. However, I soon realized that there was just no way to win.

For instance, “Happy holidays!” could be offensive to Jehovah’s Witnesses, who don’t celebrate holidays. After a heated debate in class, I walked out realizing that people should not have to conceal their beliefs just so they don’t offend those of opposing beliefs. Why can’t we all just express our true feelings and get on with life? A little debate now and then, after all, could change someone’s views.

As an eCard says, “I’m tired of everyone wanting to be politically correct so they don’t offend someone. You know what I find offensive? Not being able to freely offend someone.”

Minnesota may be the perfect example of political correctness gone too far. On Nov. 10, the Minneapolis School District enforced a new rule requiring that suspension of any non-white student be approved by the superintendent. According to the school district, 70 percent of the students are non-white, and students of color are 10 times more likely to get suspensions…which would seem logical, given that the majority of the students are of color. Or is it possible that other factors—like, say, socioeconomic factors—aren’t being considered?

Yet America is now filled with schools attempting to alleviate unfairness through drastic measures. Seriously, when did giving every participant a trophy become a thing? As Bill Gates said, “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”

There is no failure when we make everyone a winner. No lessons learned, no desire to try harder next time, to work longer…no opportunity to grow. By rewarding everyone, we are doing a disservice to our nation. By rewarding everyone, we are discouraging the next Bill Gates. Potential winners are brought down to the same level as potential losers. We are telling extraordinary students that they are simply ordinary.

Instead of becoming so consumed with making everyone feel equal, how about we just start truly expressing our opinions? It would make for far more entertaining conversations and perhaps provide people with the opportunity to learn. I mean, really, in the grand scheme of life, we are not all set on a level playing field, and we are not all winners, so we should not be afraid to express our true feelings.

Merry Christmas, Padres.
-Carly Rudiger