John Attarian

Liberal policies that advocate sensitivity about race and gender issues are often described as “politically correct” or “PC.” Many people believe that society’s emphasis on cultural sensitivity is oppressive because it punishes individuals for expressing opinions considered to be offensive to women and minorities. In the following viewpoint, freelance writer John Attarian argues that “leftist hypersensitivity” is now so pervasive that it poses a serious threat to individual liberty. He cites several examples in which people were unjustly punished or harassed for being culturally insensitive. What is most disturbing, Attarian concludes, is that the majority of Americans simply comply with these liberal demands to be politically correct.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Attarian, what happened when a Virginia woman called 911 to report that some black...