New Media Outlet 'NoBorder' Releases Episode #47 on Political Correctness in Modern Society

NoBorder Inc. (HQ: Minato, Tokyo; CEO: Yuji Mizoguchi), which operates the new media outlet 'NoBorder' that tackles topics taboo on terrestrial television, has announced the release of '#47: The Modern Society Contaminated by Political Correctness—The Ruin of Japan in the Name of 'Diversity'' today at 21:00.

NoBorder has consistently delved into structural issues facing Japanese society, including politics, security, the economy, education, and social systems, to approach the 'outline of truth.' Episode #47 features a multifaceted discussion on Political Correctness, or 'PC,' a concept that has spread to respect differences in gender, race, and religion, exploring the ideals of a diverse society and the challenges that arise from it.

PC is fundamentally a concept aimed at eliminating prejudice and discrimination to create a society where diverse people are respected. However, in recent years, concerns have grown that its influence has extended to numerical targets in hiring and promotion, considerations in education, expressions in entertainment, and even daily language, potentially creating a 'society where it's difficult to speak one's mind.'

This episode, featuring guest MC IVAN, discusses whether PC, which emphasizes diversity, is a necessary evolution for society or if it instead creates division through numerical goals and excessive consideration. The discussion examines the impact of a diversity-focused society on Japan.

#47: 'The Modern Society Contaminated by Political Correctness—The Ruin of Japan in the Name of 'Diversity'' https://youtu.be/ngyoHfvygdM

Highlights of the Latest Episode

1. **Why Question 'Political Correctness' Now?**

Political correctness has spread as a way to reduce disadvantages faced by people due to differences in gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and to re-examine prejudice and discrimination within society.

However, when its 'correctness' goes too far, it strongly impacts hiring, promotion, education, entertainment, and daily expression. The issue has emerged that consideration intended to avoid hurting someone may, conversely, be creating an atmosphere where true feelings cannot be expressed and new divisions are born.

NoBorder #47 focuses on the gap between the ideals of diversity advocated by PC and the reality of its implementation.

2. **Key Points Raised in the Program**

The following points were presented in the program:

* Is PC that emphasizes diversity a necessary evolution for society, or is it a detriment? * Are numerical targets, such as having 30% of management positions filled by women or foreigners, truly necessary? * Does the enforcement of numerical targets lead to ignoring gender differences and the actual situation on the ground? * Does diversity generate economic growth, or is it just superficially imitating successful examples from overseas? * Is PC robbing society of freedom of expression and cultural context? * Doesn't Japan have its own unique way of diversity and coexistence?

During the debate, the opinion was expressed that including women and minorities in decision-making is necessary to change the social system. On the other hand, cautious opinions were also raised that if numerical targets take precedence, it could lead to a 'numbers game' where people are evaluated based on attributes rather than ability, which could in turn create backlash and division.

The program questions how to create an environment where everyone can compete fairly, rather than denying diversity, and what form of diversity is suitable for Japanese society.

3. **The Future of Freedom of Expression and 'Excessive Consideration'**

The latter half of the program also discussed the impact of PC on freedom of expression and cultural context.

Using examples such as the name change of 'Okāsan Shokudō' (Mother's Diner), controversies over casting in overseas productions, and PC-related uproars in games and movies, the discussion touched on the necessity of reviewing discriminatory expressions and the concern that language and culture are becoming constrained by excessive consideration.

Furthermore, the perspective is presented whether it is truly appropriate to import the concept of PC, which originated from the historical context of the West, directly into Japan. The episode raises the question that what Japanese society needs is not to apply imported rules as they are, but for each individual to have a sense of respect for others and to build up consideration based on reality.

4. **Diverse Cast and Guest MC**

This episode brought together commentators from diverse backgrounds, including politics, international affairs, the legal system, journalism, and members of the sexual minority community.

Hiroto Shimizu, who has undergone gender-affirming surgery, and Yohei Saiki, who is openly gay, participated as members of the LGBTQ+ community, adding a realistic perspective to the discussion on diversity based on their personal experiences. Also featured were author and Middle East analyst Kazuyasu Ishida, non-fiction writer Nobuo Kubota, lawyer Yasunori Sakurai, and political scientist Satoshi Shirai.