Is being PC really such a bad thing?

My mother taught me to apologize when I wronged somebody.

My mother taught me empathy.

She taught me that being a compassionate human is one of the most important things I can be.

Compassion and empathy are earning some pretty bad PR these days. The term 'politically correct' is tossed around as a poisonous term.

"I don't care about offending people. I don't have to be so PC."

"Just call 'em _. Being PC is overrated."

Kindness is not overrated. Compassion and empathy are not overrated.

Consider the source of racial slurs. Think of the implications of those phrases. It's not cool not to care.

I'll be the first one to admit I swear more than I should socially. But I don't do it in mixed company. Not dropping the F bomb in front of a child may be PC; I do it out of respect. Because respect is a two-way street, and regardless of how others may behave, I give everyone my respect as a human being, even if they fail to reciprocate.

By choosing to drop "nonPC" language from our discussions, we open up respect and compassion. We allow ourselves to see others as human beings. We take the steps toward opening our minds to the struggles and triumphs of our fellow humans. Compassion and understanding are the foundations toward peaceful interaction.

You're not cool or edgy for ignoring the historical usage of racial slurs. It doesn't make it OK that you use them indiscriminately (How ironic that using the rainbow of racial slurs is indiscriminate use, while discriminating).

And for heaven's sake, quit making compassion and understanding undesirable traits!