Correctness Quote by Dorris Lessing
““Ms. Lessing points to a current dogma: political correctness. "It's a continuation of the old Communist Party. It is! The same words, the same attitudes... 'the Communist Party has made a decision and this is the line." At first, she says, political correctness had a good beginning; she remembers saying that the language that we use is sexist, racist and so on. But then, "that became a dogma. Because we love a dogma,you know, we really do. We can never just let things develop easily from an idea, it seems to me there's always a group of fanatics who grasp it and make it a dogma.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 1995
Political correctness began as a positive effort to avoid harmful language but can become a rigid dogma, stifling genuine discussion.
In simple terms: PC can turn into dogma.
Key Takeaway
Stay open to evolving language.
Themes
language
dogma
political correctness
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
cultural
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy drafting
- media commentary
Key Concepts
critical thinking
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When does protecting language become oppressive?
- How can we balance sensitivity with free inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Rigid adherence may suppress necessary critique.
