Political Correctness Flashcards
What is political correctness?
Ways that language can be adapted to minimise social inequality. For example, it is wrong to use sexist, racist, ageist or ableist language. The idea of political correctness is that language doesn’t just reflect social attitudes, it shapes them too, so by using political correct language, people will stop discriminating.
Why might “half caste” be politically incorrect?
Half cast suggest less than whole, incomplete. Therefore MIXED RACE is used.
Why might “stewardess” be politically incorrect?
Stewardess is the female version of the word steward, so this implies that the male form of the word is the original, so more important. FLIGHT ATTENDANT is used now.
Why might “disabled person” be politically incorrect?
This is a dehumanising label. The order of the adjective in front of the noun emphasises the disability. The alternative “PERSON WITH DISABILITIES” brings the attention away from the disability and more on the person.
Arguments FOR Political Correctness
1) Language helps to shape social attitudes so people will stop discriminating against others.
2) It acts as a symbol of society being equal and inclusive.
3) It’s often blown out of proportion; people focus on outrageous examples of it when most politically correct terms actually have a valid reason behind them.
Argument AGAINST Political Correctness
1) People may feel they are being restricted.
2) It’s pointless because language doesn’t shape society’s attitudes, it just reflects them.
3) Some people feel it causes resentment to the groups it’s trying to protect.
4) It’s pointless as language always changes. Words that were once used have now been made to replace terms that are now seen as unacceptable.
