(03/12/10) -

Canadians, Americans Differ on Political Correctness

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in Canada and the United States do not see eye-to-eye when it comes to "political correctness", according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 50 per cent of respondents in Canada support the concept, but only 41 per cent of Americans concur.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in Canada and the United States do not see eye-to-eye when it comes to "political correctness", according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 50 per cent of respondents in Canada support the concept, but only 41 per cent of Americans concur.

In fact, 45 per cent of Americans oppose the use of "political correctness" in their country, compared to 37 per cent of Canadians.

The term "political correctness" has been used to describe language and/or behaviour that seeks to minimize possible offenses to racial, cultural and gender identity groups, among others.

The Texas State Board of Education is currently reviewing the language that publishers will need to use in order to align their textbooks to current standards. Some critics have claimed that the proposed changes may be going too far to accommodate religious minorities.

Earlier this month, Kelly Shackelford, president of Liberty Institute, expressed his views about the controversy, saying, "It’s just political correctness where they’re trying to [achieve] diversity—and in the process, they are destroying important aspects of history that kids need to learn."

Polling Data

The term "political correctness" has been used to describe language and/or behaviour that seeks to minimize possible offenses to racial, cultural and gender identity groups, among others. Thinking about this, do you generally support or oppose the use of "political correctness" in Canada / the United States?

Complete Poll (PDF)