We are living a classic reactionary backlash to the undeniable excesses of political correctness. For too many years we have been avoiding certain terms for fear of offending certain sensitive groups. In itself that is a noble idea, but as always it went too far. Terminology became muddled, and many in the media spotlight fell foul to pc's draconian laws. The right to consider phrases uttered, often with the best intent, as offensive, reigned supreme. Enough is enough.
So plain speaking people like Trump felt like a breath of fresh air.
But what you gain on the roundabout...
There are now a number of new words to be avoided at all costs, a kind of mirror version of pc.
The list is long, but here are a few of the new taboo words.
Tolerance, equality, compassion, dignity, solidarity, human rights, international co-operation, environment, social welfare, medical care, freedom....
As Nick Lowe asked so many years ago (all this is cyclical, of course) 'What's so funny about peace, love and understanding?'
