SpikeTalon, I would argue that no one is forcing you or anyone else to “accept what a certain portion of society deems to be correct speech/thought.” Rather, we liberals are merely suggesting that we all be civil toward others, with both our actions and our language. This applies to liberals as well as conservatives. I agree that “freedom of speech means the freedom to offend as well” but it doesn’t make uncivil behavior ok.

“Bashing political views” is a healthy and necessary part of our form of democracy but even this can be done with civility. Liberals don’t tend to use offensive language (of course there are exceptions) because we tend to be more empathetic. Conservatives tend towards authoritarianism and somehow this translates to behavior that is less than respectful. Consider the name calling and disrespect that the conservatives used constantly towards Barack Obama. A perfect example of this lack of respect is when Joe Wilson of South Carolina shouted ”You lie!" at the joint session of Congress speech. This kind of disrespect and lack of civility seems to be acceptable to conservatives. [Obama had not lied - [politifact.com]]; consider also the outrageous language of Trump towards nearly every non-white category of people: women, blacks, Hispanics, LGBT, Muslims, handicapped, etc. Now ask yourself how many Republicans have called him out on this behavior.

@SeekingWisdom If someone becomes uncivil in their tone, you could choose to walk away from the conversation. Liberals use just as much offensive language as the conservatives do, and they certainly have no qualms in downing the President. Conservatives believe in individual liberty as opposed to government assistance, that is hardly authoritarian, you confuse atheist conservatives with religious screwballs. You've been under a rock lately, there have been plenty of Republicans that have openly downed Trump and fought against some things that he had wanted to pass. Lastly, Obama did to lie, the Affordable Care Act was one big lie, even alot of Democrats I know suffered under that act and their cost of healthcare went sky high, and not to mention how unconstitutional the individual mandate was forcing everyone to be covered or you faced paying a fine. How is that freedom? He did to lie, among other lies. Next time, you might not want to quote a liberal source for the "facts", because you are only going to get one side of the story, which pretty much leads to my original comment. I honestly do not care for either political party.

NotConvinced - can you offer an example of words that have been made illegal? Or of shaming those that speak their minds?

You make a good point. I think the people who did not want to change their old terminology felt the other people were being too thin skinned and too sensitive.

On the other hand, there is a lot of hypersensitivity going around too. What do you think? Or is it just me?

@dare2dream I think some people are hypersensitive. I think some social trends are ridiculous - example I personally think having to drag around a "service animal" to "help you stay calm" is a bit cray-cray. The pendulum swings both ways.

@SallyMc Good point If you're not white and christian you don't matter

I propose that we not use their terminology at all. You are not showing a lack of civility or common decency if you say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" and if the receiver of your good wishes can't understand it for what it its, I would say - that is on them. On the other hand, if you know you are in the presence of Christians only, then using "Merry Christmas" shouldn't be a problem either, even for those of us who are atheists. In fact, perhaps it is the more civil or decent way to do this. For me, it depends upon the 'audience.'

@SeekingWisdom : You make a lot of sense to me. I'm following you now. I'll seek your wisdom.