Is there a place for Political Correctness?

I would not describe myself as a political person. I did study Social Sciences in my undergrad and took several political science classes.  But, I was also a secondary education major and learned to keep the “politics” out of teaching; try to avoid bias.  I do not typically take offense to “off color” statements about religion, political parties, races, ethnic groups, etc. And, I think that political correctiveness has made people overly sensitive. I have my political beliefs, but I understand that not everyone agrees with me and everyone is entitled to their views.  However, I do believe that there is a time and place for political commentary. 

I attended a conference this week in which the presenter sprinkled his political beliefs throughout the content.  He masked them by making them jokes and saying “you let me get away with saying that.” In the two-day seminar he found a way to offend Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, Republicans, disabled, special education students, Catholics, and women. Again, I am not easily offended, but I cannot help but think how much more effective this seminar would have been without the jokes.  This is one place where a bit more political correctiveness would have been appropriate and appreciated.