Political correctness seems to be dictated by some unwritten book. Politicians, newspapers, and television producers all abide by it religiously. If asked why, they would probably say that they don't want to offend anyone, which really means that they are deathly afraid of being sued or blacklisted. They are so influenced by small outspoken groups of lobbyists, that they let it control their policies and standards. Of course this has been a problem for politicians since the advent of democracy, but it seems that today it has taken such a hold that a rebellion has risen against it.
TV shows are very successful.
Chris Rock is much more acclaimed and popular than say, Bob Sagat. I dearly hope that these trends continue and that this rebellion leads to a more relaxed society. Despite the fact that something I say may offend someone, I have a right to speak, as does everyone else, and I shouldn't have to judge my every word before saying it. That is not to say that we should all go about saying hateful things. I don't know if it is because I am a white male, but I have never been called anything that I ever took deeply personally.