MEDIA ISSUES: Political correctness, gone mad?

Political correctness (PC) was originally the term that objected against any statment or idea that was against or allienated politically, socially or economically disadvantaged or minority groups. However, in todays day and ages where Santa can no longer say 'Ho, Ho, Ho' and golliwog dolls are racist, has it simply been taken too far?

I'm sure we would all agree that a comment aiming to degrade someone's gender, sexual orientation, weight, culture or race isn't very nice, but the terms racist, sexist and bigot are also offensive in their own right. Today these terms are thrown around by the media so much, it acts as if people do not really know what their original meanings are. Often these 'labels' are thrown onto public figure heads, simply based on an out of context comment, image or bad dad joke not intended to cause anyone any harm.

With this in mind, I throw the question to you: has political correctness gone too far? While the original intent of PC is great, the effect of the movement on society is causing people to avoid talking about important issues all together. Topics such as migration, assylum seekers and sexual orientation are just some of the conversations which are being avoided and in turn, making them hard to face when the occasion arises.

I'm sure you have come across a situation where you wanted to ask someone where they are from (due to an accent or skin colour) but can't because it might be 'offensive', a person with gay orientation that feels like they cannot express themselves how they would like to, or something you have said was taken completely out of context.

Overall, the biggest issue to come out of modern societies obsession with PC is how we are supposed to live and work together comfortably and without judgement. Talking about these things in the media and life in general allows us to help overcome ignoriance about these issues. If we can't talk about our feelings, fears, assumptions, differences or aspirations because we will be labelled racist, sexist or a bigot, how will we be able to progress as an individual or as a society?

Sourced: Listverse