The UK communications regulator Ofcom has for the first time begun to add so called “politically charged” terms to its list of potentially offensive words that broadcasters should steer clear of.
Ofcom believes that words like Karen, Gammon, Libtard, Snowflake, Remoaner and Boomer are likely to cause offence and broadcasters should take this into consideration when producing shows.
LBC’s James O’Brien was recently referred to the regulator for his use of the term Gammon when criticising Brexiteers. According to The Mail Online:
Ofcom’s Director of Standards and Audience Protection Adam Baxter said: “People’s views on offensive language can change significantly over time. So, to ensure we’re setting and enforcing our rules effectively, it is essential that we keep up to date with how viewers and listeners think and feel.”
The regulator confirmed that it will be monitoring politically charged phrases in the coming months to determine their impact on audiences. Baxter went on to say that:
“These findings will help us to strike the right balance between protecting audiences and children in particular, from unjustified offence, while still allowing broadcasters the creative freedom to reflect real life in their performances.”
Unjustified offence? What the hell is that? Taking offence is a personal choice. There are thousands of political talk shows on terrestrial and satellite TV. There are millions online. If you don’t like how a host expresses himself/herself, switch it off and watch something else.
I took ownership of the term Gammon. While I am bald (ish), I’m not particularly red-faced and I could never be accused of being right-wing. The word made me laugh so I adopted it. There’s nothing that a stranger could call me that would leave me offended.
We are living through the greatest attack on free speech and free thought in history.