@sheepy Said 
Political correctness is a destroying influence on society. It is pathetic, it needs to be wiped out
I disagree. I think it's been one of the most culturally important and empowering influences for the betterment of society in our history.
Like "feminazi" though (different thread, I know) the term "Political Correctness" has become a pejorative term for anything that infringes on some people's belief that they have a God given right to behave in ways that are socially unacceptable or even destructive.
There are those who believe that, just because Grandpa used to beat Grandma up when he got drunk then it's alright for him to do the same. The fact that in the 21st Century, his wife could now have him arrested and charged with Domestic Violence if he did the same to her is to them, "Political Correctness Gone Mad."
There are those that believe their "Freedom of Speech" includes the right to promote hatred of minorities.... to degrade and humiliate them.... to belittle them in word and print for no other reason than the colour of their skin or their religion or their sexuality.
Other things also apply. Example:
The Health and Safety At Work Act has meant that employers can no longer get away with cavalier attitudes that put the lives of their workers at risk for the sake of profit. They argue that H & S is so expensive, they have to lay some workers off. It is then argued that H & S is Political Correctness that costs jobs. As if any fat cat employer ever gave a damn about the living standards of their minions. They just don't like spending money on something that won't contribute to their profits. But Health and Safety at Work means that workers on building sites have hard hats to wear and can't be sacked for refusing to climb unsafe scaffolding and so on.
And as an afterthought to that.... If any employer thought that buying a couple of hundred hard hats is expensive, he should just wait until he gets hit for a claim for on-site injury, and the lawyers get involved. He'll soon find out what expense really is...!!
Everything that changed in the last 60 or so years.... from the abolition of hanging to gay marriage has been "blamed" by those who opposed them, on PC, even though it was clearly obvious that there was a majority in favour.
Where there is a status quo which is generally supported by the politicians in power, at odds with the wishes of the majority of the people, then those who are prepared to stand up and fight authority need the tools to do the job.
That tool.... the power of rational argument, logic, reason and often just downright commonsense, has been given a label by its opponents. Political Correctness, a phrase intended to belittle those who campaign for change. To attack the causes championed by groups who seek a better, more civilised country. OK, perhaps the verbiage has become convoluted.... often into a sort of incomprehensible Newspeak which is patronising to those it applies to. I don't like that either, but if we just keep our focus on the intended outcome and not be distracted by relatively trivial issues, then the benefits outweigh having to tolerate a bit of naff terminology.
I'm glad I live in a country where nobody is hanged for the letter of the law. Where women can get free contraception and safe abortions, or where children are no longer whipped by their schoolteachers. I'm glad I live in a land where I can get married and where a woman can become the head of the government. Where discrimination against somebody because they are black, or muslim or gay is against the law and offenders are actually prosecuted by the courts.
All of these things and more were opposed as "Political Correctness Gone Mad" during the campaigns to make them happen. But we got there.
And as a country and a people, we're all the better for it.
Jan 02, 2017 @ 02:36:40
So you better watch your tone with me you young whippersnapper! And mind your elders. 
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