IT is easy to submit to the pressures of political correctness, which looks down from the rarefied atmosphere of the moral high ground and argues from the viewpoint that seemingly innocent acts or expressions are actually undermining society. It all adds to a difficult argument to counter.
However, many have found that the surge to adopt politically correct views has actually stifled expression and brought some progressive strands of thought into disrepute.
But we genuinely believe that there is a strong case to question the wisdom
of marketing and selling knife blocks which are shaped like a human figure, with blades piercing the body at critical points.
It is not difficult to see how such an innocent piece of kitchen paraphernalia adopts sinister overtones at a time when knife crime is a growing problem in the country.
We would never suggest that the owner, or the retailer, of such a knife block would be encouraged to rush out and stab a rival. That is the kind of nonsensical view which brings political correct argument into such disrepute. But surely the presence of such an implement will desensitise people to the horrors of using a sharp blade against a person.
For the sake of good taste, rather than political correctness, we would like to see these blocks taken off sale.
Paul shows that dedication worksCONGRATULATIONS to golden boy Paul Goodison, the Olympic hero who sailed his way to glory in Beijing.
A triumphant welcome awaits him when he returns to South Yorkshire, with a host of people eager to heap praise on his young shoulders.
But for the time being we hope that Paul is enjoying his justly deserved moment of glory in China, where he stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's finest athletes.
We also hope that Paul's wonderful example acts as a shining beacon for other young sports enthusiasts to follow. He has shown that dedication to a personal goal can bring tremendous rewards.
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FeaturesMore business newsMore Rotherham newsMore Doncaster newsMore Barnsley newsLatest sport.The full article contains 355 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
