In summary, political correctness is the avoidance of language and actions that insult, harm, and/or exclude people who experience discrimination and disadvantage. In today’s society, there are many examples of political correctness surrounding marginalized groups. There is this surge of awareness to be mindful of the actions and expressions brought about that may be harmful to others.
The Offensive Term “Redskins”
A current debate of political correctness is revolved around the NFL football team, the Washington Redskins. The term “Redskins” is an offensive term in reference to American Indians. Sports continue to brand names that were born in an era accepting of racism and bigotry. Names such as “Redskins” offend and uphold a hurtful part of history through American traditions, degrading the history and culture of a people. Erny Zah, a spokesman for Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, describes perfectly why the use of the word should be avoided. He goes on to explain that it’s okay for American Indians like the Navajos to “assert themselves as Redskins,” but it does not change the fact that the majority of American Indians have a “negative history with the word.” Therefore, while it may hold a sense of pride when said within their own community, it does not replace the history of how the word came to be imposed on their community.
From Latino to Latinx
Another current event in regards to political correctness is the term Latinx, as defined by Meriam-Webster, is of, relating to, or marked by Latin American heritage. It is a gender-neutral form of Latino/Latina. An assistant professor in higher education at Florida Atlantic University, Cristobal Salinas Jr., studied that the usage of this term has gained popularity in higher education settings as Latinx students relate to, identify with and understand the term. Latinx is an attempt to provide a new approach in disrupting traditional social constructs of gender. As stated in the article, gender is a socially created concept that is consistent with what society considers appropriate in relation to characteristics, behaviors, and expectations. Most of society has adopted gender identity as a two-gender system. By creating a term that is gender neutral, it is all inclusive of those not identifying as either male or female. People within the LGBTQ+ community, such as nonbinary and nonconforming people, can feel included within their Latin American community.
Offensive Language in the Workplace
Recently, AOC delivered a speech against offensive language towards women, especially within the workplace. A short clip from the speech emphasizes the hurtful and negative words used against Cortez, a respected Congresswoman. She spoke about the continued harassment against women within the workplace. A cultural issue of violent language against women with a construction of power that allows such harassment to occur without penalty. Individuals shouldn’t be allowed to use this kind of assaulting and demeaning language against any woman in the workplace as it creates a hostile and dangerous work environment. The message congressman Ted Yoho is sending through his words and actions is that women can be verbally assaulted even in a high regarded and well respected position in office. His actions contradict the social contract we hold to treat others fairly and respectfully. The fact that a congresswoman can be verbally assaulted with curses and insults really speaks volumes to the lack of respect and empathy in such a person. This incident is such a big issue because it highlights the need for professionalism, empathy, and use of appropriate behavior in addressing political conflicts or political correctness.
Reclaiming the “N” word in the Black community
Similar to the issue with the use of “redskins,” the use of the “N” word is commonly accepted within the Black community, but takes on a different meaning when used outside that community. Historically, it has been used as a “term of exclusion” holding a tremendous amount of negative connotation. Political correctness is about aiding the Black community in giving them their own agency over part of a painful collective past. As stated by Osa Fasehun, the “N” word is a “derogatory racial slur that whites historically used to degrade free and enslaved Africans for over four centuries.” Essentially, the Black communities have taken this word of degradation and changed its meaning, known as linguistic reappropriation. And although the word has become a celebration of Black comradery within the community, it is still an offensive term stemming from hatred when used by anyone else outside this community. It’s important to understand the political correctness of diminishing the use of the word if not part of the Black community.
Sign language: Creating Two Different Signs for Black
Even in American sign language there are disparities between being objectively correct. Throughout the language, there has always been two signs for white, one for the color and a different sign in reference to a white person. Even so, there was only ever one sign for black, whether it be in regards to color or a person. Fortunately, the deaf Black community created a sign to differentiate for black people to sign and non black people to sign, as shown in the image below.
Moreover, ASL interpreter Rorri Burton breaks down how to sign “Black Lives Matter” and explains why some people sign it differently. She summarizes the history of the sign for white vs. sign for black. Out of respect to Black culture, non black people should sign the latter option shown above. This further demonstrates the importance of being socially aware of Black culture and respecting the dialect of language, even in sign language.
They/Their/Them Pronouns And Other Gender Neutral Pronouns in use for LGBTQ+ Community
Pronouns are used in every day speech and writing in lieu of people’s names. They are used to refer to either people talking, such as the words “you” and “I,” or used for someone or something being talked to, such as “she,” “they,” and “this.” Gender pronouns, such as “he,” “she,” “they,” and “ze,” specifically refer to people that you are talking about. Mistaking or assuming a person’s pronouns without asking first can send a harmful message as their gender is mistaken and assumed. As the article “Pronouns Matter” stated, “Using someone’s correct gender pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their identity.” By discussing and correctly using gender pronouns, it sets a tone for allyship. Furthermore, it celebrates and appreciates the differences of others when gender pronouns are emphasized. A safe environment is created for people of all sexes and gender identities, creating a place of inclusion.
Sometimes, using the wrong pronoun can make that person feel disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, alienated, and hurt. It’s importance to recognize the political correctness of it through usage of the right pronouns and being aware of asking first if unsure. In summary, using the pronouns a person asks of you to use is a sign of respect and inclusivity. It is all about basic human dignity.
Avoiding the Use of Masculine Pronouns
For writers, it may seem unnecessary to use gender-neutral language, but the consistent use of masculine pronouns leaves the sense that women are not among such groups that are referred to. In political correctness, it is best to avoid the use of masculine pronouns when the antecedent can be either male or female. Stated in the article, “Gender Neutral Language,” the key rule is to avoid using gender-specific language. The article emphasizes the importance of rewriting sentences to avoid the need for gender pronouns. For example, instead of saying the sentence “A good judge takes his or her job very seriously.” The sentence “A good judge takes the job very seriously.” works better. It avoids the use of gender pronoun assumption and is more inclusive. The significance of avoiding such gender pronouns is to allow everyone to feel included within their surroundings.
Banishing Gender Bias
Gender neutral language is language that avoids bias towards a particular sex or social gender. It refers to words that do not identify a gender. This includes the use of nouns that are gender neutral to refer to roles or professions. Moreover, it includes the avoidance of gender pronouns, “he,” “him,” and “his” in assumption of an unknown person. For example, instead of using the word “mailman,” use “mail carrier” or “postal worker.” A list of examples is shown below of common gender biased words and their alternatives. As mentioned, in being political correct and using gender neutral language, there is elimination of exclusivity and bias. It’s a form of keeping everyone included.
People First Language
The last example of political correctness to mention is known as people first language. For people with conditions called disabilities, they are subjected to devaluation, marginalization, prejudice, and discrimination. Putting the person before the disability can be beneficial in moving away from and eliminating prejudice. People first describes what a person has and not who a person is. It uses phrases such as “person with a disability” and “individuals with disabilities.” It eliminates phrases that identify people solely on their disability, such as “the disabled.” Using phrases such as “developmental disability,” “cognitive disability,” and “intellectual disability” are more respectful options in substitution of the harmful phrase “mental retardation.” Below are a few examples of people first language, displaying correct usage of words to describe people.
Overall, political correctness is occurring all throughout language and writing in many different forms and groups. It’s key to acknowledge that although political correctness has been given a negative construct, to not shy away from the positiveness political correctness has aided in marginalized groups and the changes and challenges society is still facing.