Being politically correct is unfair

If there’s anywhere a student should be able to cause waves, it’s an institution of higher learning. But last semester, in a class that supposedly welcomes disparate opinions, I was essentially told to bite my tongue.
Political correctness has infiltrated the minds of otherwise intelligent students to the point that they stutter over their words, choosing carefully as not to offend. College is supposed to provide an opportunity to propose authentic ideas comfortably, not force students to shy away from controversy. Such has not been consistent with my experience at the University.
During the most recent presidential election, my friends jokingly ordered me to “admit” my political affiliation, as though I were guilty for not backing Barack Obama; I was berated for not suppressing my perspective. Even inside the walls of the classroom, where censorship should be certainly not be idyllic, dialogue developed concerning the ludicrous assumption that Obama was the obvious choice for all Americans. Judgmental eyes even encouraged me to skip the visit to the voting booth. Even after I welcomed differing standpoints, I was told I was the epitome of ignorance. Even after I supported my view with political fact, I endured similar brilliant commentary throughout the election. I was under the impression that being uninformed and wishing to remain that way was ignorance — silly me.
Yet my central grievance does not lie within the actions of the students and professors, who would rather dodge controversy than allow open minds to flourish. It is with the fact that political correctness advocates disingenuous hearts, which leads to downright uniformity. Implications of such a social framework drive the lucid opposite of progress.
Political correctness failed to encourage authenticity yet again during the recent Miss America Pageant, when Miss California sparked controversy with her, gasp, honesty. According to an April 20 Fox News, an audience member expressed anguish after Miss California was awarded first runner-up, calling it ridiculous because the values of gay audience members do not coincide with hers. I think it’s ridiculous that America would still rather hear the words “world peace” spew out of her mouth, but maybe that’s just me.
This University prides itself on its diversity. But diversity of what, exactly — skin? What good are diverse backgrounds if the minds are mere duplications? A great mind suffers after repeated censorship of the tongue. It’s heartbreaking to see students sacrifice their own ideas in the wake of accusations of transgression. At Rutgers, we’re provided a unique opportunity when we’re exposed to a multitude of perspectives, but originality becomes a foreign concept when disputable commentary is looked down upon.
I don’t have a problem being an outlier. I do have a problem when I’m told to shut my mouth because of it.

Lauren Caruso is a Cook College junior majoring in journalism and media studies. She is also the assignments editor of The Daily Targum. She welcomes feedback at assignments@dailytargum.com.