I do not understand what kind of world we live in where, as a society we are told that everyone has their own voice and freedom of speech. However, on the flip side of that, you are not able to express any opinion without first thinking if it could offend someone.
There are things that I grew up with, which now are not able to be mentioned in front of a child in case they go to school, innocently repeat the phrase and offend another child who is also innocent and does not understand;
- "Baa baa black sheep" is a prime example. This can't be said because it indicates that 'black' means slave services.
- "black board" is no longer able to be said in schools as it could cause offense. I don't understand the premise behind this as the name is a good accurate description. However, we have to say "chalk board" as it is considered offensive and in case a child tries to draw over everything that is black with chalk.
- "brainstorming" has been banned from some city councils in the UK because this could cause offense to epileptics, they now use the phrase "thought showers"
- "hard working" and "reliable" is no longer permitted when advertising a vacancy on the job centre as this can be offensive to unreliable lazy people. (I thought this was a joke but it is genuine)
- "spotted dick" has been banned by many supermarket in the UK and is now called "spotted Richard" so that people do not become embarrassed or offended.
There is plenty more that has been ruled as non-PC over the years and I do completely understand that people can become offended. People need to understand that we have the freedom of speech for a reason. I am in no way racist or prejudice, I am voicing my opinion and I may get some nasty comments about such things but it is my right to speak.
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