Political correctness has now become dangerous

I’D LIKE to commend Michael Kelly for addressing the ludicrous issues in his article in such a heroically patient manner (Irish Independent, Comment, December 7). I don’t know how he did it.

Now the use of phrases such as “killing two birds with one stone” have been decreed offensive by the holier-thanthou, politically correct brigade, and an academic at Swansea University has suggested that lawmakers should impose a ban. It seems such sayings not only objectify animals but, God help us, run the risk of offending vegans.

What the hell is wrong with these people? (And I know, by using the words “these people” I’m probably guilty of the recently invented crime of ‘othering’ but who cares?)

It’s stating the obvious that the phrases mentioned are totally innocuous and are incapable of causing offence to any normal human being. However, the utterances and actions of these offence junkies could cause a great deal of harm. For instance, if these terms were made illegal, what happens if a journalist or broadcaster uses them, even inadvertently? Their careers could be potentially hampered or even ended. Someone’s life could be ruined – and all just so someone else can feel nice and smug by demonstrating how wonderfully sensitive and ‘awakened’ they are.

Political correctness has not just gone mad, it’s become dangerous. John O’Connor

Killarney, Co Kerry