How to Be Politically Correct in College

Many college campuses demand a certain degree of political correctness from their students. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you'll fit in at your institute of higher learning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper Subscriptions
• Educational Software

1. Use acceptable terms for members of racial, ethnic, religious and other minority groups. Examples of politically correct terms are "African-American," "Caucasian," "homosexual" and "differently abled."

2. Use gender-neutral terms whenever possible. For example, "first-year student" is often preferable to "freshman," and terms like "woman doctor" may be deemed offensive; just say "doctor" instead.

3. Be respectful and tolerant of cultural practices that may be new to you.

4. Avoid telling jokes or making comments that belittle specific genders or minority or cultural groups.

Tips & Warnings

• Different campuses tend to have different degrees of political correctness, depending on their respective political environments. So-called conservative campuses tend to place less emphasis on political correctness than liberal campuses do.
• Attend social events such as dances and mixers in order to expose yourself to as many cultures and lifestyles as possible. This will help you build understanding and tolerance.
• Don't let the use of drugs or alcohol impair your respect for the rights of others.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[budlinsawesome]

on 12/16/2008 Political correctness has a basic flaw. If all views are equal, why do some who embrace this view feel the need to push this agenda as the "correct" one at the same time demonizing other views as "incorrect"? and only pathetically weak people that don't have the balls to say what they feel and mean are politically correct.

on 8/29/2006 People are often more offended when you act like you're trying not to offend them. Using PC terms makes it look like you think that there's something offensive/wrong about a person.

on 11/22/2005 What Francheska said!

on 11/22/2005 I think words like homosexual, caucasian etc sound clinical and technical. I prefer gay, white, black, disabled. They are honest words. I am a white disabled person and would never call my self a caucasian differently abled person. That sounds self-concious and uptight. If in doubt, ask someone what words they'd prefer you to use.