When Political Correctness Chokes Off Communications

Chris Seiple, president of the Institute for Global Engagement, which calls itself a "think tank with legs" that "promotes sustainable environments for religious freedom worldwide" writes about "10 terms not to use with Muslims" in today's Christian Science Monitor. In the article, he shares "the advice given to me from dear Muslim friends worldwide regarding words and concepts that are not useful in building relationships with them." Despite the title, he does not totally ban the terms, just urges that non-Muslims "be very careful about how we use them, and in what context." Here is the dirty ten, minus Seiple's explanations:

1. Chris Seiple, president of the Institute for Global Engagement.

   "The Clash of Civilizations."

2. "Secular."

3. "Assimilation."

4. "Reformation."

5. "Jihadi."

6. "Moderate."

7. "Interfaith."

8. "Freedom."

9. "Religious Freedom."

10. "Tolerance."

Comments: (1) I wrack my brain but cannot think of another context where one side of a conversation is discouraged, if not prohibited, from using such a wide range of common, predictable, even necessary words. (2) "Building relationships" does not take place when such stultifying self-censorship takes place. There needs to be what diplomats call a "frank exchange of views," even if not every word is greeted with delight. (March 28, 2009)

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