[The Editors' Verdict] The Revival of 'Political Correctness'

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Il-gwon] Interest in this year’s U.S. presidential election, returning after four years, is more intense than ever. It is not simply about changes in domestic and foreign policies but serves as an opportunity to 'reconfirm' the sentiments of American voters.

The term 'reconfirm' relates to the concept of 'political correctness,' which has formed the foundation of American society. Political correctness is a culture in which the mainstream society shows consideration and tolerance toward vulnerable groups related to disabilities, transgender individuals, homosexuals, religion, and racial issues. A typical example is when someone makes a racist remark, and those around immediately intervene and protect the victim. However, in the last presidential election, this was ignored by voters. This election is essentially the second judgment on this matter.

America’s 'political correctness' is noteworthy worldwide, including for us, because it influences not only domestic affairs but also foreign policy. Since the Trump administration took office, political correctness has disappeared from U.S. foreign policy over the past three years. Under the slogan of 'America First,' a massive wall was erected on the border with Mexico, and trade wars with allied countries became frequent. Instead of protecting the vulnerable, a policy strictly based on national interests replaced the prevailing perception. Voters who considered political correctness hypocritical expressed their will through their votes. This has shaken the foundation that America has built for over 200 years.

This election is expected to be a turning point deciding whether to continue the 2016 trajectory or return to past policies.

However, the early dynamics of the Democratic primary opposing President Trump are unfolding in a direction different from expectations. A more radical candidate is receiving strong support rather than a moderate one. Senator Bernie Sanders, who calls himself a socialist, won the New Hampshire and Nevada primaries. Moreover, polls suggest he will also be dominant on 'Super Tuesday' on March 3, when 14 states hold primaries. There is already speculation that this election will be a 'liberalism (President Trump) vs. socialism (Senator Sanders)' contest.

The rise of Sanders, who stands in stark contrast to Trump, ironically narrows the space for political correctness even further. As the saying goes, 'extremes meet,' and the support bases of the two candidates surprisingly share similarities. Above all, both are expanding their influence based on absolute support from a minority within their parties. This implies a greater limitation in fostering tolerance that understands and considers the opposition, instead focusing on policies that satisfy their supporters.

Sanders’ pledges, such as 'free public college education,' expansive fiscal policies like the 'Green New Deal,' and 'universal healthcare,' require massive financial backing, which is likely to result in blocking the entry of outsiders such as immigrants. This means policies protecting social minorities could lead to the emergence of other forms of social minorities. Sanders’ support base is showing signs of expanding from the progressive faction to the entire Democratic Party. This is ultimately the same method by which Trump won the 2016 Republican primary. This is why the two candidates, despite standing at opposite poles, are seen as fundamentally similar.

Europe and the rest of the world are sending messages to American voters not to elect Trump. Some European media have openly warned through columns that 'Trump’s re-election would put the entire world at risk.'

However, if the two candidates who disregard 'political correctness' become the final choices in the U.S. presidential election, such global warnings will hold little significance. The world could once again plunge into an unpredictable situation for the sake of national interests. This is why there is heightened attention on the Democratic primary.