Does political correctness restrict our freedom of speech?

Since the beginning of time, humanity has used speech for better or worse. Over the
last decades, there has been a growing tendency to avoid offending people with our way of
speaking. Consequently, I am inclined to believe that this fact has a direct effect on our
freedom of speech.
To begin with, we can make a remarkable distinction between the older and younger
generation. Many people agree that while the former is more narrow-minded and less
tolerant, the latter is more open-minded and empathetic. As a result, young people tend to be
prone to restrict their freedom of speech, so as not to offend the ones who think differently. In
contrast, older people seem to be highly sensitive when it comes to an idea that does not meet
their criteria. Indeed, what these facts have brought about is a restriction on society´s ways of
expression, especially on young individuals.
All things considered, although political correctness has caused a significant effect on
people’s freedom of speech, it has been the young generation the one that boosted the major
change. Had it not been for them, I believe the change would have been much slower.
Undoubtedly, there is still a long way to go regarding political correctness within our speech.
However, the change has already started, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. It must be a
matter of time before society can see more repercussions in the long term.

Feminism: Is it just a fad?

Many people believe that feminism has strengthened its influence over the last decades. The
notion of feminism has undoubtedly been in the spotlight lately and the movement seems to
continue its expansion. Heated arguments for and against feminism may come up within our society,
in the media and the public eye. As a result, many individuals agree that this movement has become
a fad, but I dare say this notion has only become a matter of concern for current generations.

Not long ago, numerous abusive, harmful and disrespectful attitudes toward women were
carried out without restriction. Cases of rape, cold-blooded murders, and harassment are clear
examples of such issues. Since the arrival of more powerful feminist movements, the chasm
between women and men has fortunately been reduced. However, skeptical people may state that
feminism is nowadays a matter that has gone out of hand. Instances of radical feminists who make
complaints about not-so-serious issues have also happened to occur in the current scene.

All in all, it might be possible that there are two sides to the same story. Feminists who are
extremists on the one hand, and feminists who have brought about a bit of stability to the gender
unbalance on the other hand. Although there are mixed feelings regarding this movement, I still
believe that had it not been for such a paradigm shift, women would still be suffering from
numerous unfair mistreatments.
 Discrimination. Is still alive?

Discrimination has been a controversial topic for decades. Although a paradigm shift
encouraging people to be more inclusive to one another has come up to the current scene,
discrimination is deeply rooted in society. From my view, I am inclined to believe that the tendency
to promote equality is increasing, yet discrimination still results in catastrophic effects in society.

It is undeniable that discrimination has a direct effect on every individual’s heart. It is

implausible to avoid suffering from discriminative attitudes throughout life. People will always find a
distinctive feature in every individual, and consequently, they will look down on them due to such
characteristic. Sexual orientation, gender, status, skin color and religion are, on average, the most
outstanding topics over which people discriminate. Nevertheless, it is unquestionable that current
generations have shifted the paradigm regarding such harmful attitudes. Movements encouraging
people to be more open-minded and inclusive of differences have come up to the present scene,
and it seems to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Overall, I consider that nowadays there is a significant paradigm shift regarding

discrimination occurring within society. Although numerous people are still unaware of the need for
equality, many individuals are more willing to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. In
consequence, they are also prone to be more empathetic with marginalized sectors. Had it not been
for such a shift, I strongly believe discrimination would have caused much more catastrophic effects.

Are centennials overreacting?

It is widely known that there has been a remarkable paradigm shift regarding the old and current
generation’s behavior. It is commonly agreed that while the former tends to be more tolerant of
frustration and external stimuli, the latter seems to be highly sensitive on a general basis. Some
decades ago, people used to speak freely without considering someone else’s feelings. In contrast,
empathy is deeply rooted in the current scene. I am inclined to believe that the current generation’s
sensitivity should not be regarded as a step too far.

Indeed, social networks and the media have a direct effect on people’s sensitivity. Discriminatory
comments, disrespectful utterances, and harmful opinions are easily stated on the net, which affects
people’s self-esteem and emotions. Young individuals are undoubtedly at the heart of the problem
since they are prone to be highly influenced by criticism and negative comments. What people do
not seem to be aware of is that the more time passes by the more aggressive people’s utterances on
the internet become. Thus, it is undeniable that negative repercussions on young people and
teenagers are on the increase.

Overall, I believe that the current generation is not as overreacting as they are thought to be.
Skeptical people would state that the current virtual aggressive context in which they are growing up
does not deserve much attention. Nevertheless, I consider it is high time for us to foresee a solution
before more serious repercussions merge from this issue.
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