In a Perfect World. . . Language

In a perfect world, everyone would have an appreciation for language and understand the power of words.  Many Native Americans believe that words have the power to both create and destroy, so words are chosen carefully in order to maintain hozo. The Bible addresses the power of words in the book of James: "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.  See how great a forest a little fire kindles!" (3:5). In an off-hand sort of way, this brings me to my point, language can bind us together or drive us apart.  Political correctness is robbing our language of it's richness.  Don't misunderstand me; I'm not advocating insensitivity to others, nor do I believe we should say everything that pops into our minds, but political correctness is pushing us into a sterility of language--no colloquisms allowed!  This point was raised in my Introduction to Literary Theory class today as we were discussing "Young Goodman Brown" and the descriptor of "crotchty old man" was applied to his character.  Students pointed out, correctly, that the phrase might be offensive to some.  They are certainly correct in that conclusion.  However, on the other hand, we must be careful to guard the rich linguistic history of our language.  Wisdom should be applied in all situations, but not all situations should be construed to be insentive.  James said "For we all stumble in many things.  If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body" (3:2).  My conclusion. . . in a perfect world, we'd be able to embrace the richness of our language without fearing offending those around us.  God gave us language; we must learn to harness it's power.  Blessings!