In Defence of Political Correctness

Individual rights cannot always take precedence over collective, social responsibility. Without self-moderation, our streets, schoolyards, public transport, waiting rooms and restaurants would turn into bear pits. Most citizens understand that. Some, however, seem determined to cause disorder in the name of free speech. Powerful, machiavellian and wealthy individuals are leading this disruption and breaking the old consensus. Thus, anti-political correctness has taken over the UK and US, spearheaded by some of the most influential voices in media and politics. Invective, lies, hate speech, bullying, intemperance and prejudice have become the new norms. Intolerance is justified through invocations of liberty. Restraint is oppression. A new order has been established in which racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia are proudly expressed. In this powerful new book, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown puts forth a spirited defence of political correctness, forcefully arguing that, in spite of many failures, this movement has led to a more civilised, equal and tolerant world. By tracing the history and definition of the term, Alibhai-Brown looks to clarify the very nature of PC, which is ultimately grounded in human decency, understanding and compassion - all of which are essential for a safer and kinder world.

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown is a broadcaster and author of several books. A regular columnist for the i and the London Evening Standard, she is a well-known commentator on diversity, immigration and multiculturalism. She is the author of Refusing the Veil (Biteback, 2014). Her most recent book is Exotic England (ISBN: 9781846274206) published by Portobello Books in 2016. She was awarded Broadsheet Columnist of the Year at the 2017 Press Awards.