Political correctness is the variation of language said by proponents to redress real or alleged unjust discrimination or to avoid offense. The term most often appears in the predicate adjective form politically correct, often abbreviated (PC), and is usually used mockingly or disparagingly. One purpose behind politically correct language is to prevent the prohibition or the offending of people based upon differences or handicaps. The reasoning claimed by proponents for using politically correct terminology is to bring peoples' unconscious biases into awareness, allowing them to make a more informed choice about their language and making them aware of things different people might find offensive. Two common examples of this practice are to use the word “disabled” in preference to “crippled”, and “mentally ill” in preference to “crazy”. However, the new terms are often awkward, euphemistic substitutes for the original stark language concerning differences such as race, gender, sexual orientation and disability, religion and political views.
As the world has progressed it has become better and still today works on making itself better. As a result being politically correct has become necessary. If someone is not politically correct they are looked at as being rude and ignorant. This attitude has changed everyday conversation. Now when people have conversations they must be politically correct. For example, “Nigger” It is a word that white students struggle with and black students use pretty freely in daily’s conversations but view it as derogatory if used by people of other races. Young people are much more open to using it, especially young people who are black or who have been exposed to more diverse groups of people. I can’t imagine a political or a social multiracial situation where it would be appropriate. The word is so prevalent in the popular youth culture, grounded in hip-hop, that I wouldn’t like to predict where that debate is going to end up. But if the popular culture ends up agreeing that it is okay to use, then I think there are a lot of pretty scary implications. However, the choice of racial or ethnic nomenclature can depend on the individual, as well as location and time period. For example, in the United States of America also referred to as the United States U. America or the States is a federal republic in central North America, stretching from the Atlantic in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It shares land borders with Canada in people of both Caucasian. Caucasian is originally a geographical term, meaning relative or pertaining to the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe. It has in time acquired other specific meanings: in linguistics, the Caucasian languages are a large number of languages spoken in the Ca and Africa. Being politically correct on this issue means that one is careful in not bringing up stereotypes to define certain people or decide the issues. It is a fine line to walk when talking about issues of race. If politically correct language is not used then people will find themselves in deep trouble. Political correctness may also be exhibited by the refusal to discuss particular traits of an ethnic or religious minority. For instance, it may not be politically correct to point out that a particular community has crime rates above those of the general population or to publicly suggest that cultural traits of that community may have led to such a situation. If we allow political incorrectness we are rewritten history.
Very interesting post. You seem to have done some really good research into this topic. I follow a lot of what you are saying, mainly because we have been talking about race in my cultural anthropology class. Even the word "race" is actually falling out of favor due to its inherent inaccuracy. Biologically speaking there is only one race: the human race: homo sapiens. Race actually only exists as a social construct. In higher educational circles (especially anthropology) the proper term to use to define destinctions between different cultures is ethnicity. Regardless of that most employers, colleges and even the Census have categories to choose for "Race." This has caused a stir among academia. Obviously sometimes being politically correct is about being accurate. I like you observations too. You talk about black people's vs. white people's use of the "n-word" from your point of view is it hypocritical for people to use the word often and still be offended by it? Are older people more likely to be opposed to it than younger ones? I think there is definitely a debate going on about that, but due to the sensitivity of the word that debate is probably being somewhat stifled and hushed because it is so taboo. Again great post, the only thing I was somewhat confused about is your concluding statement. I am not sure what being politically incorrect had to do with rewriting history, this point needs expanding on.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, can't wait to read the next one!
- Ben Andrews : )
GREAT POST!
ReplyDeleteYou raised a series of points with regard to language that is acceptable for some and not others. Specifically, the use of the "n" word and its relevance as being politically correct, 'er incorrect. Yesterday I watched a special on HBO about Larry Bird and Irvin "Magic" Johnson. Although the show was about basketball players, its relevance was much greater than that. It covered the black/white spectrum to a tee. In it, Bird was ridiculed by the media for being a white basketball player who could dominate basketball. Black players acknowledged that he was good, but that if he was black and played at his caliber, that he would not be hailed as being so great. The hype went further when the media chose to compare Bird and Johnson as the best of their race. All of this has nothing at all do with being politically correct - just the opposite. The hype was all created, man made by the media. You know why? Because Larry Bird refused it. He refused to comment on it, to be part of it, to see color as a basis for anything. Bird acknowledged his respect for Magic as one of the greatest basketball players of all time - not the greatest black player.
Bird was raised color blind. He lived color blind. He played color blind. To this day, Magic Johnson is his best friend. This pair of men, one white and one black, complete each other as soul mates. They work for common good and acknowledge each other as equals.
That's the problem with your reference to the "n" word as being politically correct. It's never politically correct because the word itself creates a color barrier. I was raised color blind in an all black community as part the only write family in a five mile radius. I could easily have become either "black" in attitude, action and gesture by my association in my community, or completely prejudiced and "white" because of my community. Instead, I learned that I was different only if I separated myself because my community did not separte me from them.
We need to understand who are neighbors are and learn from them, not exacerbate what makes us different from one race to the other. Politicall correctness has nothing to do with that. It's about understanding, responsibility, attitude and a willingness to get along.
Thanks for sucha thought provoking post!
~ Michelle Erickson