The importance of kindness

Re: “We are overly sensitive as a country, survey finds” (NP Montreal, Aug. 30)

The branding of political correctness as something negative rubs me the wrong way. In my mind, politically correct means trying to modify the way you think and speak in an effort to become kinder and more empathetic. It’s listening to the concerns of marginalized groups and acknowledging our mistakes, striving for improvement and a more peaceful society.

But why has an emphasis on respectful word choice and empathy for others become something so readily disparaged as disingenuous? Perhaps this is because freedom of expression is more prevalent than ever, and we have become accustomed to speaking without thinking twice. Insensitivity runs rampant in entertainment and in media, and, by consequence, in dayto-day life as well.

For those who insist people should “grow a thicker skin,” I have some bad news: The world doesn’t revolve around us and our opinions. It is selfish to think we have the right to decide what’s hurtful to other people, especially historically marginalized groups.

Maybe we should stop looking at our words through the lens of “political correctness.” Let’s look at them through the lens of kindness instead. Lauren Rosenthal, student, age 15, West Island College, Dollard-des-Ormeaux