Political correctness is a term used to alter language in such a manner that it is not offensive to a group or individual that is different. While the need to refrain from using hateful and bigoted language is important the fact is that political correctness in society is way out of hand. For a nation that prides itself on freedom of speech and expression people are quick to lambast a person for speaking in a manner that is not deemed to be politically correct.

People now are expected to talk in a gender neutral term. Failure to do this will have you labeled as a sexist. Just because someone uses the term policeman instead of police person is hardly a reason to string someone up, but there are people out there that get so offended that they go out of their way to ensure that everything in politically neutral. Disability cannot be referred to directly anymore. For example a blind person cannot be called blind instead it is visually impaired. The list goes on and on. In return people begin to see each as the label that they are assigned.

The terms African, native, Hispanic Americans does not enhance our society. Instead it creates artificial divides by placing emphasis on something that should not be. Looking at every citizen as Americans helps ensure that the nation stays one people with a common bond. Skin color is not a defining character of a person so drop the political correctness already. Granted people should not be using racist or bigoted language toward another group but unfortunately some people will. Regulating speech and thought is not acceptable to a free society. Tolerance can be promoted without conformity.

As a people one must not sacrifice free speech and expression to prevent others from saying what they think. Understandably it is not the most popular point of view but free speech is meant for all whether someone likes the idea or not. People say things that bother someone else all the time. However, not limiting free speech just so someone does not get upset is liberty and that’s what this nation is all about.

The harsh reality of the world is that at some point everyone is going to be offended in some way or another. As a society people need to grow thinker skin and realize that society does not need to cuddle everyone from every possible offense that they may suffer in life. Freedom of speech and expression are paramount rights and a foundation to a free society. Many people will run around promoting this idea until you say something that offends them or some politically incorrect term that will get you ridiculed and called a bigot. A person should not have to sensor every word because someone listening may get offended.

Political correctness has it place but a broad blanket application to every level of society is not acceptable. Instead of uniting it divides. Creating this divide is what is tearing people apart. People spend so much time being politically correct they begin to see others as the labels assigned rather than who they are. It is time for the political correctness to fade away and maybe then instead of categories and then one may see people as who they really are.