I don't mean to offend

Or do I?

I have always thought that political correctness was annoying but now I think it is downright dangerous. You cannot advance a conversation or cause unless you are willing to offend. Now of course you should not be offensive just for the sake of it. But imagine trying to make a point, any point, without risking tweaking someone. It has gotten worse because now people want to be nice. They are so nice that they won't make a decision.

Remember Chip and Dale, that lovable Walt Disney chipmunk duet? There's the classic scene where they are leaving a room and Chip says to Dale; "After you" And then Dale says; "Oh no after you". They go back and forth being so nice they never get anywhere. Who would've thought that a 1950's comedy routine would become real life today?

Something can only be offensive if we let it offend us. We need to get thicker skins and join in the debate. We cannot advance as a society unless we are willing to have conviction and also be willing to express it.

So go ahead, offend somebody today.