The Fall of Political Correctness

Donald Trump’s victory in the election heralded the fall of so many liberal ideals that it’s hard to know which one to celebrate first. But his biggest victory may have been in the war on political correctness. While it may seem trivial when compared to subjects like illegal immigration, Islamic terrorism, and economic regulations, the truth is that political correctness is the shield that allows the rest of the liberal agenda to survive.

It lies at the heart of the illegal immigration debate, for instance. “Illegal immigrant” is no longer an acceptable term to use. The American flag has been called “xenophobic” by certain elements on the hard left. “Anchor baby” is a hurtful and racist term.

This isn’t just about words. It’s about assuming that a certain worldview is the only one that matters; everything outside of that worldview is monstrous. The debate then happens on a narrow stage where both sides basically agree about what to do: Give amnesty to everyone here, hire a handful of new border agents, and hope that we can go a few years before someone brings the problem up again.

When political correctness reigns, it’s a brick wall through which freedom and true debate cannot penetrate. It’s the left saying, “Well, we can talk about HOW we implement our liberal ideas, but we’re not going to talk about WHETHER or NOT we implement them.”

This election was a rejection of political correctness, and that may be the most hopeful thing about a Trump presidency. If he turns out to be a great president, so much the better. But even if he falters, he will have changed American politics in ways that will last for the rest of our lives, if not well beyond. Well, he helped, anyway. He gave voice to millions of Americans who were tired of hearing about special pronouns for transgenders, how racist the cops are, and how illegal immigration is an “act of love.”

With Trump’s victory (and even before he actually won), those walls have been demolished. We’re not just in power, we are back on the debate stage. We have legitimized the destruction of PC culture – safe spaces and undocumented workers and six-year-old transgender kindergartners and trigger warnings and cultural appropriation can now be discussed without handcuffs.

Now that we can discuss the insanity, the insanity will be exposed.