Ongoing Issue

One of the issues being debated these days revolves around free speech. There are a number of folks who are vigilant about publically criticizing speakers who appear to be insensitive in their remarks and characterizations of minorities, for example. "Politically correct" is the top buzz word when it comes to this debate. They cry out for all of us to be careful in what we say for fear of offending someone. I, for one, agree that we should not try to be offensive if at all possible. Everyone has feelings, of course. Being sensitive is a positive quality to possess, particularly if we are to enjoy lasting ties with others.


Still, the whole argument regarding "politically correct" speech seems to be taken too far. I do not like it when someone is offensive, purposefully or not. I like it even less, however, when that person's right to speak is violated simply because what they say hurts the feelings of some. Just as beauty is ultimately "in the eyes of the beholder," so, too, is what is offensive. Let people make their own determination as to what is offensive. Once that judgment is made, then they can set their own course of action as to what to do about it. Not listen? Leave the room? Switch channels? Enter into a dialog with that speaker to explain why what they are saying is offensive?


In one of her recent columns in the Washington Post, Alexandra Petri spoke out on behalf of letting social standards ultimately determine what is offensive. I agree. People can decide what is acceptable just as they can determine what to do about it when offense words are spoken. Do some go too far? Yes. Are some, in my view, overly sensitive at times? Without question. It is important for us to remember that this struggle between free speech purists and advocates of political correctness is going to be with us for a long time to come. Its existence is a result of having free speech as a key element of our nation's fabric.