Political correctness is a strange concept which probably has its roots somewhere in the Eighties. Some might argue that it was borne out of necessity to make us a more tolerant nation. Others might counter that the concept merely means that we are no longer allowed to state our true opinions and feelings about people or situations.
On certain issues there is no doubting that, as a nation we did, indeed, require a wake-up call but every now and again one hears a tale of political correctness and it seems like the world has gone completely mad. Yesterday was one of those days: The UK Government has banned the use of the word ‘obese’ to describe, er…obese children. The parents of obese primary school children, children whose weight is placing their health at risk, will be written to but will be described as ‘very overweight’ rather than ‘obese’. ‘Obese’, however, is the correct medical term and one which might, may we suggest, actually startle parents into doing something about their child’s weight problem. The letters will also suggest the children need to be ‘physically active’ as the word ‘exercise’ is also forbidden. Apparently the two forbidden words would be a ‘turn-off’ for parents.
Last week David Cameron said that it was vital that we made individuals responsible for their weight, or in the case of children, their parents. By 2050 it is predicted that nine out of ten people in this country will be OBESE. Millions will die early from OBESITY related illnesses. It’s time the Government woke up to this fact and stopped pandering to political correctness. The health of a nation is at stake!