Purvis talks ‘being correct’ – Brush News-Tribune

Political correctness isn't anything new, Brush marketing director Tyler Purvis said during a presentation Friday to the monthly Sack Lunch Series at East Morgan County Library.

It all began more than two centuries ago related to a Supreme Court Decision, he said.

It's a pretty hot topic now, Purvis said.

He discussed changing terminology for some of those in service and civic industries, such as firefighters, waitstaff and flight attendants. It wasn't so long ago, he said, that those professions held gender-based titles.

His presentation also showed a picture of Ernie Els, who finished last among those making the cut in Sunday's final round at The Masters but has won four majors. He explained the pale-complected golfer is African, or South African to be more exact.

In every major American professional sport, Purvis said, there's a team with a name which could either be seen as a tribute or affront to American Indians.

There was a big push for a time as to whether these names were offensive, and if they should be removed, Purvis said.

His presentation didn't aim to solve the argument as to whether political correctness was right or wrong, and Purvis was careful to say any statements he made were his own, and not reflective of City Hall.

We know our president, Donald Trump, was far from politically correct during the campaign, and he still is, Purvis said.

Speech comes down to perspective, he says.

What is politically correct to some is politically incorrect to others, Purvis said. We seem to say we'll give you space for your idea, as long as it agrees with our idea. Not everyone is ever going to agree.

He explained experiences can lead to perception. As a child, Purvis was attacked while walking home by a dog. He says it would not be illogical for him to dislike dogs.

I have two dogs of my own now, he said. Many people with that same experience might say, Dogs are bad.'

Speech should not be out to offend, he said, that should not be a goal.

And the summation of his discussion? He opened the floor to comments and when he asked Am I a man,' not all could agree, even though he has a goatee and a deep voice and by all appearances is a man.

The May presentation on Emerging Cuba will be presented by Dr. Charles Collins at the museum.

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Purvis talks 'being correct' - Brush News-Tribune