Political Correctness and Call-Out Culture. Where is the line?

Journalists are expected to evolve with the ever changing language that is political correctness. But what exactly does it mean to be politically correct? Merriam-Webster gives the definition as follows: "conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated." 

Journalists, as whole, when reporting want to reduce harm as much as they can - which means keeping a keen eye on what is politically correct and what is not. But like many people, I wonder where the line needs to be drawn. Some words are deservingly blacklisted (I'm sure anyone reading this knows what I'm talking about) but some are just plain odd. For example, recently Prime Minister Justin Trudeau can be quoted correcting a woman for saying "mankind," urging her to use "peoplekind" instead. Mankind refers to humankind and in my nineteen years, I have not once witnessed anyone take offence to the term. If political correctness is thrown around so lightly, and without thought, this leads me to believe that the concept as a whole may not be taken seriously. My view on the subject is a simple one: to be as kind as possible and to do as little harm to others as necessary. 

This era of political correctness also breeds another problem - callout culture - where everyone and everything is "problematic." If people repeatedly, even after being taught the difference, commit the same mistake, I would probably consider this person ignorant or inherently "bad." But the problem with the current culture is that people are quick to throw others under the bus, to write them off for little mistakes. Journalists, actors, public figures, students, etcetera have lost employment or opportunities over "problematic" behaviour. This can range from idiotic things these people did or said in their youth to violent crimes. There is no crime too small. This is especially dire in the journalism field, as one word misused can have a career hanging on the line. Preparing to go into journalism myself, I find this prospect frightening - there is no room for mistakes, one mishap and my name and credibility dissipates before me. 

There needs to be a line drawn, that way people can learn from mistakes and reshape into better people. As a society we need to move away from acting as the judge, jury and executioner and instead try to be educators.