Behinds Quote by Charlton Heston
“Let’s be honest. Who here thinks your professors can say what they really believe? It scares me to death, and should scare you too, that the superstition of political correctness rules the halls of reason. What does all of this mean? It means that telling us what to think has evolved into telling us what to say, so telling us what to do can’t be far behind. Before you claim to be a champion of free thought, tell me: Why did political correctness originate on America’s campuses? And why do you continue to tolerate it? Why do you, who’re supposed to debate ideas, surrender to their suppression?”
About This Quote
The speaker argues that political correctness on campuses has shifted from controlling thought to controlling speech, and potentially actions, questioning its origins and continued tolerance.
In simple terms: Political correctness may limit free thought and speech.
Key Takeaway
Question the impact of political correctness on open debate.
Themes
free speech
political correctness
academia
Mood
concerned
inquisitive
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- university classrooms
- public discourse
- policy debates
- media analysis
Key Concepts
censorship
ideology
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we accept speech restrictions?
- Can free thought thrive under political correctness?
A Different Perspective
The claim may oversimplify complex social dynamics and ignore benefits of respectful dialogue.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
