Political Correctness vs Freedom of Speech

This topic has been adapted from the topic set by Jon Bondy for the D & M group in Burlington Vermont:

One definition of Political Correctness is "the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against."

We feel pressure to be Politically Correct in order to spare the feelings of others through our ostensibly insensitive comments. People who once were Negros became Blacks. Wait a few years and then they are African Americans. Then People of Color. We adjust our speech in order to make others comfortable. Sometimes it feels like a moving target. Is it really important, or only a temporary social construct?

How does PC interact with our desire for freedom of speech? When we allow PC to restrict our words because of how others feel, are we allowing those others to control us? Is that control appropriate? Do we have the right to refuse to allow them to control us?

If someone has upset you, should they apologize? Do we only accept PC guilt when the grievances are "reasonable"? How should we make that determination? Who has the right to make that determination? Should someone be allowed to lay an arbitrary guilt trip on someone else?

Should we alter our discourse constantly in response to others feelings? Should those "others" stop being so sensitive?

In this topic description too insensitive?

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