Question from Myles Dyer, 21, Henley-on-Thames.
The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has put himself on YouTube to give the community a chance to put foward their questions - To submit your go here: http://uk.youtube.com/downingst
As for my question:
Political correctness has been brought in to protect society from language, ideas, policies and behaviour which could be foreseen as an offensive form towards any race, social group or culture.
The irony of this situation, is it has in fact increased the use of labelling and categorization towards any people who wish to speak their minds on their beliefs, which may differ from someone else.
Freedom of speech is such a great thing, as it allows the sharing of ideas. Sure it is important we respect our fellow man, but is censorship the way forward with this?
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Here are some examples of where political correctness has potentially "gone mad" - What do you think? (Please post any examples you have as a comment and I'll be sure to add them here):
- Police forced a woman to take down a sign she had on her door (which was a joke) saying "Our dogs are fed on Jehovah's Witnesses". This was put up after she repeatedly had Jehovah's Witnesses stopping by, even on Christmas day.
- Wardens told not to call prisoners "prisoners" anymore - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=396069&in_page_id=1770
- Cartoon Protests among British Muslims - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6227953.stm
- THE LIFE OF BRIAN has been banned off national television because it supposedly offends Christianity.
- After receiving 1 complaint, Ofcom had to investigate broadcasters of the show Tom & Jerry as there were clips in the cartoon of the cat smoking. Edits of the show had to be made.
Tags: Blade376 Myles Dyer Gordon Brown Prime Minister Downing Street