Let me begin by stating that what I’m about to write is fully and 100 percent my opinion. These are my beliefs, what I stand for, and I will not apologize for what I say because I have that right.

I believe that our society has become too sensitive over time. I believe that in our society there is too much censorship and control over speech. I believe that our society has quite literally started wiping away history because there is disagreement. Since when is it OK for society to be so politically correct?

Political correctness is a great idea that I think has gone way too far.

According to the First Amendment, we as Americans have freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech means that people should be allowed to say what they want to say, even if you don’t like it. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, any opinion, even if you consider that opinion to be “wrong”.

Yes, some people are rude and hateful and I may disagree with them, but just because I disagree doesn’t mean I have a right to control them.

In our society people are being silenced. Good people with views that vary from others are not able to express themselves because there is a fear that they will be called unintelligent, bigoted, or racist and be attacked for their beliefs. Our political and social systems are so skewed because of this -- thoughtful debate has become limited.

When I was growing up I learned to take a joke. Harmless jokes aren’t allowed and accepted anymore. Every day I see a company or organization apologizing for something they said that just happened to “offended someone.” Jerry Seinfeld is hesitant to tell jokes; Adam Sandler is getting slammed by New York Times for “insensitivity.” Since when can a person or a group complain about something so much that eventually it just gets wiped away? That’s not the way society should work. It is a manipulation tactic being used to silence people.

After the conflict that occurred this past week at the University of Missouri, Missouri President Time Wolfe said, “This is not the way change should come about. Change comes from listening, learning, caring, and observation.”

When I really think about it, I start to wonder what our country will be like when I have children and they are growing up. Will they be afraid to speak their minds because of the fear of what others will do or say in response if they disagree? Will they be allowed to play games like tag on the playground or is that too invasive of other people’s space? Will they be allowed to pray at school or in restaurants or will that be taken away from them?

It is my opinion that our culture encourages second-guessing and thin skin rather than determination and a backbone. I believe that younger generations and society as a whole need to take a step back and consider that intelligence is not measured by subscription to social ideas, but rather by exploration and discussion of competing ideas and principles that are necessary to create a diverse nation.