Politically Correct Language Analysis

The attitudes and opinions associated with “Politically Correct” (PC) language are widely varied, but in general, there are three main categories into which people fall: those for the PC movement; those against the PC movement; and those indifferent, adapting or ignorant to the PC movement. PC stemmed from an increasing number of people in the 1980s wanting to eradicate what they saw to be prejudice through the use of euphemisms and alternative terms. This built up momentum with the formation of progressive and activist groups (who were advocates of minority rights), which attracted extremists alongside moderates, and by the 1990s the movement was widely referred to as Political Correctness. Though some critics of PC may disagree, a role does
According to the proponents of “Politically Correct” language, there definitely exists a role for non-discriminatory language in the 21st century. In a time rife with racism, sexism, ageism, religious intolerance and xenophobia, the impacts of discrimination in language are clearer than ever before. They therefore state that non-discriminatory is needed to serve as a means to help minimise the potential for misunderstandings, offence and discrimination. The word ‘help’ is the crucial part of that sentence, as a change in language is only a small step toward equality. However, there is a valid point in pro-PC arguments: discriminatory language perpetuates inequalities. But how far should one take this non-discriminatory concept and how should one apply it? Where does one stop in the march against discrimination and prejudice? Though PC activists may still be unwilling to admit, it would be utterly futile to modify the language and its lexicon when the underlying inequalities still exist and the discrimination and prejudice still permeate
They have either had to adopt the notion of PC into certain parts of their language or have simply been brought up in a society of political correctness; and hence, for them, there also exists a role for non-discriminatory language. Businesses and organisations in particular have had to make their language as politically correct as possible as they are fearful of public criticism and litigation. Thus, they go out of their way to avoid using language that might be construed as offensive or discriminatory. Interestingly, many institutions and politicians also exploit PC language, using it to suck out all meaning from their language and to shroud themselves in a protective fog of linguistic trickery. The term ‘negative patient outcome’, used in a medical report, for example, is able to refer to symptoms ranging from a sprained ankle to death. The general public, however, have undergone a much subtler change in lexicon. Many people do not even realise their language is being manipulated. As terms like ‘blackboard’ or ‘whiteboard’ have been phased out to be replaced by ‘marker board’, many have simply carried on in their lives, either indifferent, ignorant or simply acceptant of the changes around