..unless they are directed negatively against an individual, they are just that - opinions! We are all entitled to them, we are also entitled to disagree. I'm one that enjoys a healthy debate about things, and it irks me when the "that's offensive" card is pulled inappropriately. Part of interacting, whether it be online or in person, is that it's fine to agree to disagree, and open communication should be encouraged in my view. I hate petty overly political correctness to be honest, it bores me!!
I agree with this to an extent, but I put in a but in there. I have no issue with healthy debate and often encourage it, and I don't find some one with differing opinions to mine offensive on principle, BUT I think the premise of what you are saying about political correctness and inappropriately calling offence assumes that there is one universal set of rules that says what is OK to say and what is offensive. Of course everyone thinks that where they draw the OK/offensive line is the RIGHT place LOL! but it is sooooo subjective it is impossible for there to be one line. Some statements really are offensive to others and don't even set off a warning bell to you, but that doesn't mean they are inappropriately calling offence or being overly political correct, they just have a set of experiences and values that are different to you but equally valid to yours.