Pushing the boundaries of political correctness

Sometimes it is the very act of transgression that calls the limit into existence.

I do not envy those who must decide how to respond to - and possibly discipline - employees who cross these lines. This cannot be an easy task. And the responsibility does not - and should not - lie with the editor or producer alone.

Writers and comedians must take some responsibility and they must recognise the important role they play in establishing and normalising the rules of ethical engagement.

But the public also needs to understand that sometimes writers and comedians will get it wrong and that it is only through trial and error that those professionals can learn to refine their approaches.

Of course those who continue to commit offence after offence do deserve punishment if, for nothing else, idiocy and a failure to learn from past errors. But there has to be some level of forgiveness because if writers and comedians become overly reprimanded they will avoid taking risks.

And this would be a tragedy for all.