Political correctness Quote by Stephen R.C. Hicks
““In postmodern discourse, truth is rejected explicitly and consistency can be a rare phenomenon. Consider the following pairs of claims. On the one hand, all truth is relative; on the other hand, postmodernism tells it like it really is. On the one hand, all cultures are equally deserving of respect; on the other, Western culture is uniquely destructive and bad. Values are subjective—but sexism and racism are really evil. Technology is bad and destructive—and it is unfair that some people have more technology than others. Tolerance is good and dominance is bad—but when postmodernists come to power, political correctness follows. There is a common pattern here: Subjectivism and relativism in one breath, dogmatic absolutism in the next. Postmodernists are well aware of the contradictions—especially since their opponents relish pointing them out at every opportunity. And of course a post-modernist can respond dismissingly by citing Hegel—“Those are merely Aristotelian logical contradictions”—but it is one thing to say that and quite another to sustain Hegelian contradictions psychologically.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Postmodernism and Contradiction, Stephen R.C. Hicks, 2018
The passage highlights the paradox where postmodern relativism clashes with absolute moral judgments, revealing internal contradictions in contemporary discourse.
In simple terms: Postmodern ideas claim relativity but often assert absolute truths, creating logical tension.
Recognize and critique contradictions without dismissing nuanced perspectives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- political commentary
- media analysis
- public policy discussions
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for cultural differences with universal human rights?
- Can we hold contradictory positions without undermining credibility?
Postmodern critiques may oversimplify complex cultural dynamics, risking false equivalence.