Catholics are as likely or unlikely to conform to political correctness as people of any other denomination, but these days the term “politically correct” has taken on new meaning in light of the recent political contest that captured us way beyond our attention spans. We were bombarded with offensive language and sometimes objectionable ideas as well.
And lately, people have been making disparaging comments to people of color, to immigrants, to Muslims, to Jews. Unfortunately, they’re doing it with impunity, with utter disregard for acceptable behavior.
What is our role and responsibility in discourse in the public square as people of faith, people of the book? The message we receive from Jesus Christ is clear: “Love one another as I love you.” Living by that rule can be difficult, frustrating and worrisome.
For example, when we hear the people we love and respect make comments that we find objectionable, we need to step back and decide what we should do in light of our faith. That’s not necessarily an automatic response because we may be unaware of others’ beliefs or views about other people or their beliefs.
Adults teach children by their words and also by their actions. They teach love, and they teach hate. Dylann Roof didn’t wake up one day in June 2015 in Charleston, South Carolina, and decide to kill nine African-Americans at a church.
He had been making racially charged comments for some time. No one thought he was serious, and evidently no one challenged his comments. How often do we hear slurs or derisive comments about people because of their race, their ethnic background, their religion or some other reason without uttering a word in protest?
We know we should say something, and if we don’t say anything we have given tacit agreement to what the person is saying. People who knew Dylann Roof said they didn’t think he was serious when he made comments about people, so they said nothing.
That “love one another” directive isn’t easy when our faith demands that we speak up, especially if the speaker is someone we like or respect or is thought of as a role model. Usually, this isn’t a problem because people tend to congregate with those of like mind.
However, if we are confronted with a situation that requires action, no matter how unpleasant or unpopular it may be, we need to speak up carefully and respectfully, making sure it is safe to do so. A few years ago, if someone brought up safety as an issue, I wouldn’t have believed it necessary, but these days words can provoke violent responses.
If we wait for somebody else to take care of this, to speak up or refuse to accept another’s worldview that clashes with our own and the Gospel, we may miss an important opportunity to make a difference.
Courage is an important commodity that is sometimes in short supply. Being politically correct may or may not mesh with the Gospel – often it does under the guise of being sensitive and tolerant.
While being crass, obnoxious and loud plays well in some circles, gentleness, kindness, forgiveness and love play much better in almost any place or situation.
If we want to live in a world that puts justice and tolerance above hatred and intolerance of any kind, we must become engaged in the process, perhaps even in the gathering areas of our parishes as well as in the public square.
Comments are welcome. Contact Liz Quirin at editor@bellevillemessenger.org