PC panic is down to ignorance (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

PC panic is down to ignorance

8:49am Wednesday 19th August 2009 in Columnists By Idrees Afzal

There is a serious problem brewing in this country and I believe this affects all of us in some way or another.

I am a secondary school student and political correctness has become a part of the very foundations of school life.

It first came apparent to me when I heard the news about primary schools deciding to adapt nursery rhymes. The traditional Baa Baa Black Sheep has been changed to Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep.

After speaking to some black friends at school about it, it seemed clear to me that they were totally oblivious to the fact that this may be seen as offensive. Perhaps this symbolises unity in the community and that all races are equal, but it just seems like an awkward way of going about it.

In 2006, a traditional Christmas primary school play was axed because the school felt that they should have a play which incorporated all religions. Is it really politically correct to try and merge these religions together?

In my school, it became evident to me that, although the school thrived on a diverse and multicultural society, it still lacked an atmosphere of openness to discuss issues which may be seen as not being politically correct.

One issue I found strange was that students were told that hand-shaking was not seen as appropriate. In my opinion, this was aimed at Muslims, for whom it is the natural, traditional greeting. The reason given was that it isolated other students and they believed a partition may grow between students.

Being a Muslim, this seemed completely ludicrous. I later approached friends of different faiths to discuss the matter, only to find that they were all shaking hands in an act of rebellion. There was nothing to discuss. It was clear that this was just another political barrier.

Perhaps I should have discussed females wearing burkhas in schools. Personally, as a Muslim, I think in the workplace or school it is essential that the face is seen, so as not to inhibit communication.

Many of my relatives either don’t wear a burkha or just wear a head scarf (hijab) showing their face. The idea is to try and show modesty as a female, which is a requirement of all schools and workplaces anyway. I am not saying that people shouldn’t wear Burkhas – our society is built on freedom, after all - but I believe, fundamentally, that people must understand the situation.

If I was Gordon Brown, I would scrap the phrase ‘political correctness’ and use the words ‘common sense’.

• Idrees Afzal is studying for A Levels at Dixons City Academy in Bradford