We can all agree that we live in “politically correct” times which is something that those of an older generation often have problems with while it’s accepted by many who tend to be younger.

For what it’s worth “politically correct” is defined as “conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated.”

Most of us would guess this term was first used in the last decade or so but its initial recorded usage actually goes back to 1934.  By the way another common definition of politically correct is “agreeing with the idea that people should be careful to not use language or behave in a way that could offend a particular group of people.”

On the surface this all seems to be pretty sensible but there is one thing missing.

There are people and groups that are so easily offended that to me if crosses the line in recognizing both common sense and the simple fact that times are different.  How a word or term was viewed 40-50 years ago might very different than its usage today and should not automatically mean it has to be eliminated.

I bring this up during the holiday season over reports that have cast doubt on everything from Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer to songs like “Deck the Halls," “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”  There are actually people offended by Rudolph by claiming the 1964 TV classic included verbal abuse from Rudolph’s father and even racism. This is simply too much to comprehend.

The bottom line is Rudolph turns out to be the hero and we all love that.  Throw in that some people want those classic songs taken off the air for a variety of reasons and this is not political correctness, it’s madness.  I mean the Santa Claus mommy was kissing was her husband, for goodness sakes.

I agree that we need to choose our words more carefully and take others into consideration with not just our words but our actions.  But at the same time some people need to lighten up and accept that tradition has its place as well.

More From 92.7 WOBM