Stanford University is as or more politically correct than any other institution of higher learning in the country. We're known nation-wide for being PC. Although there is some merit in being concerned with the sensitivities of others, such behavior has gone too far. When a new class of freshmen arrives at Stanford every fall, many of them attend an enlightening diversity assembly at Memorial Auditorium with their dorms. This activity brings to their attention the fact that they should not discriminate and that certain people are sensitive to certain topics. Such a message is certainly reasonable.

However, an unusual and discomforting fear in most people on this campus to express an actual opinion that may offend someone seems to be all too commonplace. When controversial subjects come up, people shy away from discussing the issue. Any opinion that is an alternative to the mainstream campus liberal view or one that is not completely politically correct is ostracized immediately. This problem underlying Stanford social interactions limits intellectual conversation and sharing of ideas, which are what Stanford is supposed to be all about.

Stanford's overly PC nature also results in a general lack of a sense of humor on campus, for much humor is based on controversial issues. People on campus are so confined by the prison being politically correct places them in that they feel they can't tell or laugh at a joke that would be remotely offensive to anyone. These restrictions on social interactions, if you abide by them, make for more mechanical and less enjoyable conversations. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of truly racist or sexist jokes. I do not support serious broad categorizations and stereotyping of people. However, a person should be able to, in jest, make a statement about something that involves race, gender, creed, or sexual orientation without offending anyone. Unfortunately, making such comments or jokes is a dangerous game at Stanford, a fact that is learned quickly in one's freshman dorm. Jokes about nerdy upperclassmen: OK. Jokes about the Stanford Administration: OK. Jokes about women: Not OK. Not only do people watch what they say too much, they take offense much too easily. By making their peers more hesitant to express their true thoughts, those who are overly politically correct are imposing their own restrictive beliefs upon others' freedom of speech.

Individuals who have trapped themselves in a fortress of being politically correct really ought to break free and expose themselves to the full spectrum of beliefs that are out there. If they neglect to do so, they will be rudely awakened when they find out that the world at large is not as politically correct as they would like it to be.

Being PC is just another way of being closed-minded. Why can't we discuss immigration concerns, affirmative action, financial aid, women's role in society, and gay marriage without having the freedom to take a strong stance on the issues that may offend someone? What if I say that I think it's beneficial to society for women to stay at home to raise kids? Is that too sexist for you? What if I like Stanford's current financial aid system and I don't want to expand it? What if I support Schwarzenegger's cutting of social programs to financially salvage the states budget? Can we discuss that without you biting my head off? I'd love it if we could. Can I criticize our current affirmative action policy structure and say it should be based on income and not race? Can we discuss these topics without becoming emotional? With some students, such discussions are possible. However, many of the Stanford population are drowning in the PC cesspool that makes such conversations virtually impossible.

America's nature as a multi-cultural society inherently forces the average person to be sensitive to others issues. However, in the setting of many universities (and especially Stanford), being politically correct has gone too far. With the current situation as it stands, PC students aren't leaving here with a complete understanding of the issues that are facing our nation and world today. Furthermore, those afraid to speak their minds aren't learning to confidently state their real opinions for fear of being shunned. People ought to be able to voice their opinions, perhaps offending a few people, and then listen to alternative views with an open mind. That to me is the type of interaction that should be occurring at Stanford. There are many smart people here: let's hear from them all.

After all, this is supposed to be a university dedicated to the free-exchange of thought above anything else. How does an atmosphere where certain ideas are deemed unspeakable promote this goal? Can we honestly fancy ourselves as intellectuals when the mere mention of certain phrases makes us cringe?

We must remove the oppressive PC blanket at Stanford which smothers intellectual discussion and restricts many opportunities for learning. People's inability to express themselves honestly and openly limits the scope of ideas and opinions students would otherwise be exposed to. Everyone ought to loosen up a bit. Laugh more. If you have a funny thought in your head about a controversial topic, share it. We should all want to learn more about each others opinions, but we can only do so if all opinions are able to be openly discussed without being repressed. Never let the possibility that you may offend someone keep you from making an assertion of your ideas and values, and just try to not be so offended by other people's opinions. Break through the oppression that Stanford's political correctness has placed upon us. I have, and trust me -- the other side is much better.