Words can hurt. Words can especially hurt when they are used in a negative way to describe one’s race, gender, social class, age, religion, or physical ability. Generally, no one wishes to be called a name that is disrespectful to themselves, the group they’re associated with, or their beliefs (Gallagher). Originally, this is what political correctness was supposed to help eliminate-the cruel behaviors against groups who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against. The current definition of ‘political correctness’ according to the Oxford dictionary is “The avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.” (Definition). Those in favor of the use of political correctness claim that it is not limiting ones vocabulary and is not taking away their right to freedom of speech (Premiere). This is because they claim that it is not forcing someone to not talk about a certain subject or group of people. It is simply offering other words of the same definition in which we would understand them by such as replacing “Negro” for “African American” (Murphy). It is basically words of similar meaning just leaving out the words that hold strong emotional context to them based on groups whom have struggled in the past (Murphy). It’s more of choosing to not use those words that we as a society know are offensive to certain groups of people whom have struggled to become equals. These groups should be respected as equals by not using terms that were used in times when they were not of equal people. Those opposed to political correctness claim that this theory has gone too far... ... middle of paper ... ...terror plot to kill soldiers did not become the horrific reality it could have been (Trumpet). The difficulty of distinguishing between what’s politically correct and what is not can lead to us being afraid to use our own human judgment. Specifically, the fear of accusing someone of a crime that is of a minority group and being considered a racist if wrong “serves as a shield for a host of bad behaviors”(Trumpet). Today, political correctness has turned towards a direction of people trying to avoid these types of sensitive topics altogether. I believe that it has gone so far that we are even second guessing what we think is okay to say because we aren’t sure if it is still okay to mention. Our fear of not knowing what is now acceptable to say or not has lead to our inability to get comfortable with living and working with people who are different than ourselves.
Being Chinese, I understand first hand how discriminatory words can impact the way that you view yourself. I was really able to relate to Christine Leong’s, “Being a Chink”, and was able to empathize with her feelings of anguish over having a loved one called a derogatory name. Many times I have been made fun of due to my small eyes, flat face, and short stature, all of which are common traits that most Chinese people share. I have been treated differently, asked absurd questions, and been stereotyped all because of my ethnicity. The multiple times I’d been made fun of because I was Chinese are vividly burned into my memory, I can even remember the outfit I was wearing. That just goes to show how powerfully words can affect someone. My
Free speech. Affirmative action. Political correctness. These three things all have at least one key thing common and that one thing can be summed up as this: To you, the reader; to me, the writer; and to anyone and everyone you talk to about those three things, they will have a different meaning with a different story with a different reason for them being defined that way. The discussion cannot end simply with our own stories, but begin with those stories and transcend into something new with being exposed to different ideas and viewpoints that may or may not match our own. D’souza, Taylor, Robbins and all other authors mentioned in this piece can help everyone to grow in their personal definitions of free speech, affirmative action and political correctness.
Rankin, Aidan. “The repressive openness of political correctness.” Contemporary Review 282.1644 (2003): 33+. Literature resource Center. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
For instance, in the show Freaks and Geeks, we find individuals, calling themselves freaks, because they do not belong in the ‘status quo,’ and live or desire to live alternative lifestyles. Would this be disrespectful to individuals who according to 19th and 20th century lingo, were called freaks? I think it is highly disrespectful indeed, because in the show, we find these kids who are not disabled, and are all white using a term which has caused so much pain to others,used it in such a free way, to be different and alternate. It goes back to what he was saying about how individuals who identify with the pink triangle and the term freak, need to also be a witness to the pain that other individuals suffered, like the gay POC and non-disabled POC. And it is worse because these kids in no way bear any semblance with either of the categories mentioned. It’s becoming some sort of norm, in which white people of years passed create words which are meant to relegate different individuals to the outside, and then after this relegation is done, choose to use it as freely as they want. For instance the use of the word ‘nigger’, white people want to include this word in their vocabulary so bad, because slavery happened more than 300 years ago. But they forget the pain that comes with this word, but you cannot truly forget what
There was no political correctness in this movie, creating an environment that has great impact. The ugliest character, Officer Ryan, is abusive on the beat and is hard to work with, but still his coworkers have his back. At home he cares for his aging father, and in an attempt to secure better healthcare benefits, he verbally abuses an African American social worker, who has him escorted out. At movie’s end it is the social worker we see in a fender bender spouting racial slurs at the Middle Eastern person who hit
...2009) political correctness build an inclusive society in which people from diverse backgrounds are offered equal opportunities. Another article that defend political correctness talk about the people who are against this movement don’t want to be polite or civil to the people different from them, the important thing to this people is to do what they want when they want even though they used hurtful word they don’t care(angry black woman 2007). This article end by saying political correctness is very important to the language and we need to fight for it so let’s make sure people use it. Allan Goldstein has the same opinion as the two authors before he said that ” political correctness is a small price to pay for keeping the peace between large groups of outraged people” he means people don’t like political correctness but we need it so the people can live peacely.
...regardless of skin color or gender, feel the same effects: a brick wall placed between them and their constitutional right of prosperity and equality. Over the last hundred years our societal values (in employment) have swung from an anything goes mentality to the other end of the spectrum, the era of "political correctness" where you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. Uncertainty prevails. It is apparent, though, that the proverbial "pendulum" is in an evening-out process and trying to find middle ground.
Some people say that political correctness should not be an issue and that it may have run amok. I understand that our First Amendment states our right to speak freely, but there are definitely certain situations where it matters what people say. My belief is that when you have any political following or any influence on a population you should be careful with the words you say. Average Americans who do not have any influence on the mass populous should not be hindered from completing their jobs. Political correctness is one of the largest problems we have in America today and we are not taking it seriously enough.
Racism comes from different cultural values, ethnic backgrounds and also the physical appearances. The conflict of racism happens when the majority group of society feels that the different cultures and values of the minority group bring the deviance to the society. Race was created socially and primarily by how people perceive ideas and faces we are not quite used to. Racism have been one of the most significant issues that people have been facing and fighting for, and it is still occurring around us without we even notice. First, this paper will discuss about the definition, causes, types, and effects of racism. Second, it will discuss about the solutions to racism. Lastly, it will discuss the importance to reduce racism. Racism is a serious social crisis and it can be solved through several ways such as through individual action, family action, active interaction with the society, government policies, and education.
Racism in the United States made it very tough on multiple races. It was hard for people that weren’t white to live out there dreams or to make a living. Racism had an affect politically and in society. There were three races that dealt with racism. These races were African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. When people hear the world racism they immediately think African Americans and slavery. Although blacks probably had it a lot worse then most races there were still some other races that were not treated equally. Racism has always been around and it is still around today. It is something that will never go away. After the Civil War, racism in the south rose higher than it ever had before.
Censorship in School Libraries The most debatable and controversial form of censorship today is the banning of books in school libraries. Banning books that educate students is wrong and selfish. Censorship of books in school libraries is neither uncommon nor an issue of the past. Books with artistic and cultural worth are still challenged constantly by those who want to control what others read. The roots of bigotry and illiteracy that fuel efforts to censor books and free expression are unacceptable and unconditional.
People tend to exploit their rights, just by hurting someone’s feelings or dignity as Waldron said in his book (Harm in Hate Speech, 2012). Sometimes the message that has been conveyed is not what is actually intended to be said. But what comes out of someone’s mouth couldn’t be taken back. There are times when people don’t care if they are being offensive because either they don’t know that it might hurt the feelings of others or they have full intension of using their rights in a way that would cause mental stress for others.
Do not judge a book by its cover or in this case a person by their appearance. Many people are being discriminated each year around the world. Discrimination has going long throughout history. Discrimination basically is the favoritism of different types of people or objects and also being treated differently. It happens to many people from public, home, and almost anywhere a person can go. Some people have to work harder than others because of their colors. Or the fact that the job is treating one person different than others employees; simply because that person is female or male. Sadly to say but, people do be criticized by others by the way they look. There are three types of discrimination that is unfair to judge a person by their race,
Prejudice and discrimination have both been prevalent throughout human history. Prejudice deals with the inflexible and irrational attitudes and opinions that are held by others of one group against those of another. Discrimination on the other hand refers to the behaviors directed against another group. Prejudiced individuals have preconceived beliefs about groups of people or cultural practices. There are both positive and negative forms of prejudice, however, the negative form of prejudice leads to discrimination. Individuals that practice discrimination do so to protect opportunities for themselves, by denying access to those whom they believe do not deserve the same treatment as everyone else. An example of discrimination based on prejudice involves the Jews. “Biased sentiments and negative stereotypes of Jews have been a part of Western tradition for centuries and, in fact, have been stronger and more vicious in Europe than in the United States. For nearly two millennia, European Jews have been chastised and persecuted as the “killers of Christ” and stereotyped as materialistic moneylenders and crafty business owners (Healey, p.65). The prejudice against these groups led to the discrimination against them.
“Learn to feel beyond yourself” (Earthlings). Oppression seems inevitable and is brought upon by your sex, race, or species. If only the human race could stop being selfish and feel beyond themselves, the world would be a better place. Oppression is not an ultramodern problem; it has been around since the Earth began to be inhabited. Oppression in India from foreign countries began centuries ago, now only the lasting impression sits. In Surat in 1612, the British built its first factory and founded the East India Company. As a result, many people of India encountered numerous hardships due to industrialization. Before the British conquered Indian lands, the Indians were farming and not technologically advanced. Until 1858, the East India Company quelled any Indian revolts and prolonged the rule of the British. The Indians were forced to acculturate to the English language, education system, religion, and controlling rules. A sepoy mutiny that broke out in 1857 to 1858 led the British to be directly in charge of the people. Sepoys were Indians with authority, but British puppets—meaning the Indian sepoys did anything the British demanded. India was granted self-rule and government in 1935 with the help of Gandhi, a peaceful leader who gained India’s independence, and his method of non-violence and non-cooperation. They did not gain their full independence until 1947 (Infoplease). The joy of the Indians did not linger long enough because the Muslims segregated and moved to their own country Pakistan (Infoplease). Seventeen million Muslims migrated to Pakistan—making it the largest migration ever. Two years later, India affirmed their ...