A new Cato poll showcases the stifling effect Political Correctness is having on public debates:
The Cato 2017 Free Speech and Tolerance Survey, a new national poll of 2,300 U.S. adults, finds that 71% Americans believe that political correctness has silenced important discussions our society needs to have. The consequences are personal—58% of Americans believe the political climate prevents them from sharing their own political beliefs.
Democrats are unique, however, in that a slim majority (53%) do not feel the need to self-censor. Conversely, strong majorities of Republicans (73%) and independents (58%) say they keep some political beliefs to themselves.
I was struck by the following two findings:
- 58% of Democrats say employers should punish employees for offensive Facebook posts.
- 80% of liberals say it’s hateful or offensive to say illegal immigrants should be deported
There is also a mine of useful data here on the differences in opinion by race that one can read between the lines.
