Discussing "Political Correctness"

I have mixed reactions to this. It seems to be about right - trying to control someone's language, the N-word for example, often has unintended consequences - giving a simple word more power than it actually should have. And yet, in a polite society, there are things we should avoid as rational, accepting human beings.

I know no one reads my posts, but I'll ask a question anyway - what do YOU think? I could be convinced either way.