Political correctness (also politically correct or PC) is a term used to describe language, or behavior, which is claimed to be calculated to provide a minimum of offense, particularly to the racial, cultural, or other identity groups being described. The concept is not exclusive to the English language. A text that conforms to the ideals of political correctness is said to be politically correct.
The existence of PC has been alleged and denounced by conservative, (Lind, Buchanan, Sobran), liberal (Hentoff 1992, Schlesinger 1998), and other (Brandt 1992) authors. The term itself and its usage is hotly contested. Some left-wing authors (Messer-Davidow 1993, Schultz 1993, Glassner 1999) have argued that "political correctness" is a straw man, meant to discredit what they consider progressive social change, especially around issues of race and gender.
The term PC is sometimes used in a pejorative or ironic sense to satirise either the idea that carefully chosen language can encourage, promote, or establish certain social outcomes and relationships, or the belief that the resulting changes benefit society. This satire often comments on certain forms of identity politics, including gay rights, feminism, multiculturalism and the disability rights movement. For example, the use of "gender-neutral" job titles ("lineworker" instead of "lineman," "chairperson" or "chair" instead of "chairman," etc.), the use of the expression "differently abled" rather than "disabled", or the use of "Native American" rather than "Indian", are all sometimes referred to as "politically correct". 'PC terms are also applied to objects, such as "maintenance cover" instead of "manhole cover".
Since the 1990s the concept has often been a target of certain kinds of comedians and satirists, partly because they equate political correctness with euphemism.
Political correctness as a linguistic concept
The modern concept of political correctness arose in the 1970s-80s; at this time, it was becoming socially acceptable in the West for women and non-Caucasians to pursue lifestyles that had previously been held (nearly) exclusively by Caucasian men, such as a senior management position within a large corporation. It was therefore argued that the English language must change its male-centred nouns such as "chairman" to more inclusive terms such as "chairperson".
Other common examples include the use of person with a disability or preferably "differently abled" in preference to "handicapped or crippled; mentally ill in preference to crazy.
The goal of changing language and terminology consists of several points, including:
1. Certain people have their rights, opportunities, or freedoms restricted due to their categorization as members of a group with a derogatory stereotype.
2. This categorization is largely implicit and unconscious, and is facilitated by the easy availability of labeling terminology.
3. By making the labeling terminology problematic, people are made to think consciously about how they describe someone.
4. Once labeling is a conscious activity, individual merits of a person, rather than their perceived membership in a group, become more apparent.
Critics of political correctness
Critics of political language choice argue the new terms are often awkward, euphemistic substitutes for the original stark language concerning differences such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and political views. Politically correct language has been compared to George Orwell's invented language Newspeak.
It is often argued that political correctness amounts to censorship and endangers free speech, as limits are placed on public debate, especially in universities and political forums. It is also often argued that politically-correct terminology (such as "collateral damage") can be misappropriated to soften concepts that would be unacceptable in normal language, and as such is a key technique employed by Spin doctors to massage and manipulate the masses; this is in agreement with the writings of Noam Chomsky that describe "media lies and manipulation."
Conservatives often view many politically correct terms as being linguistic cover for an evasion of personal responsibility,, for instance when "juvenile delinquents" became "children at risk" or when "illegal aliens" became "undocumented workers".
Critics allege that political correctness can often detect offensive language when there is none. One example is the feminised "herstory" instead of "history" (although the word derives from the Greek for an "account of events"). (dubious assertion)
Criticism of political correctness is often associated with the claim that the Left has lost touch with the working class and has instead turned toward such things as postmodernism and post-structuralism, which are seen as incomprehensible to the general public, or has replaced their former emphasis on social class with multiculturalism and identity politics.
Другие работы по теме:
Political Analysis Essay Research Paper A famous
Political Analysis Essay, Research Paper A famous politician by the name of Bush once said “The American dream is so vivid- but too many feel: the dream is not meant for me.” Even though the dream is for everyone. The way he uses rhetoric in his speeches help to persuade the audience to follow his cause. He uses very vivid words, which give his speeches life.
Free Speech Essay Research Paper The United
Free Speech Essay, Research Paper The United States is recognized and admired all over the world, as a representative of liberty and civil rights. The First Amendment to the US constitution, presented in the Bill of Rights passed by Congress on September 25, 1789 and ratified December 15,1791, discusses religious and political freedom.
The Parallels Between Pericles
’ Funeral Oration And Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Essay, Research Paper The Parallels Between Pericles’ Funeral Oration and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
The Politcal Correctness Problem Essay Research Paper
Political correctness, a concept originally meant to protect minorities and the under represented and thus strengthen the country, has in today?s America become no more than a necessary evil and catalyst for the cult of ethnicity. In theory political correctness sounds like a very reasonable idea and when looked at very shallowly this remains the case.
Politically Incorrect Essay Research Paper Report Politically
Politically Incorrect Essay, Research Paper Report: Politically correct is such an innocent term. How can anyone be against something so friendly, something that is supposed to encourage harmony and peace between all people? My answer is Ha! Although I do agree that kindness, respect, and courtesy in our everyday life are to be promoted, it seems to me that they lose much of their meaning if they are oppressively forced upon us by political correctness.
I Have A Dream (MLK) (A Speech
Summary) Essay, Research Paper On August 28, 1963 on the steps of Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., one of the most profound civil rights Leaders recited a speech for all to live by. Martin Luther King Jr. was the man who made history that day in 1963, with the world-renowned speech ?I have a Dream?.
Motivation Speech Essay Research Paper IV BROADCAST
Motivation Speech Essay, Research Paper IV. BROADCAST PROGRAMMING: BASIC LAW AND POLICY The First Amendment and federal law generally prohibit the FCC from censoring material in broadcasting. Stations choose the material they determine as best for their community. The FCC does not advise on artistic standards, formats, grammar or the quality of their programming.
Political Correctness In The Classroom Essay Research
Paper Schools in Canada have recently become the battleground for the fight over how much political correctness should be allowed to infiltrate grade school classrooms. One can take two sides when dealing with such issues as violent toys, ?good clean fun?, the benefits and disadvantages of political correctness.
Political Propaganda Essay Research Paper The Deception
Political Propaganda Essay, Research Paper The Deception of Political Propaganda Have you ever heard a political speech? Did you find you self in favor of the speakers idea after his speech sometimes even if you weren?t before. Politicians use political language to make us have a certain felling about something.
Politically Correct Essay Research Paper Congress shall
Politically Correct Essay, Research Paper Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; of abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Political Correctness Essay Research Paper Political CorrectnessThis
Political Correctness Essay, Research Paper Political CorrectnessThis is an English exam paper prepared for the EVU2ADM/+K course at Niuernermik Ilinniarfik, Nuuk. The main topic of this paper is the USA, and I have chosen to concentrate on the issue political correctness. My purpose with this paper is, by giving examples, to shed some light on how the use of a certain kind of language can affect the public opinion, and how this – via political correctness – is actually happening in today s America.
Speech Analysis Essay Research Paper This is
Speech Analysis Essay, Research Paper This is the speech delivered by President Bill Clinton at the annual White House prayer breakfast on Friday, September 11, 1998, to an audience of more than 100 ministers, priests and other religious leaders. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was also in attendance.
Antony Speech Analysis Essay Research Paper Emotional
Antony Speech Analysis Essay, Research Paper Emotional Speech Analysis William Shakespeare?s ?Julius Caesar? is a well-written stage play. Shakespeare included many good speeches in his plays; one of the best was the one delivered by Antony. Antony?s speech came very shortly after Julius Caesar?s death, and the city was in much chaos.
A Socialist Meeting Essay Research Paper SOCIALIST
A Socialist Meeting Essay, Research Paper SOCIALIST MEETING HELD A roar of agreement echoes from every member of the crowd, and is meant for the orator standing on the platform before them. Sweat running from the man s face, he has just delivered an inspiring speech on the advantages of socialism. This man has given similar orations for over twenty days consecutively, for hours on end.
Bc Speech Assignment Essay Research Paper Research
Bc Speech Assignment Essay, Research Paper Research Assignment #4 Your fourth speech is a research-based persuasive speech. Since your primary goal will be to convince your audience to take a specific action your research burden is higher. Your research is due via email on the date listed on your course schedule.
Filtered Speech Experiment Essay Research Paper Filtered
Filtered Speech Experiment Essay, Research Paper Filtered Speech Experiment Purpose The purpose of the filtered speech experiment was to look for three things. The first was to see/hear which frequencies can be eliminated from speech signal and conversely which frequencies can not in order to understand speech.
The Similarities And Differences Of Jonathan Edwards
And Patrick Henry Essay, Research Paper The Similarities and Differences of Jonathan Edwards and Patrick Henry convey theiThere were many similarities and differences between speech styles of the early 1700’s and the late 1700’s. Speakers were known to use persuasive techniques in these time periods to influence their audience’s opinions.
Patrick Henry
’s Speech Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death Essay, Research Paper GIVE ME LIBERTY Patrick Henry’s Speech in the Virginia Convention is not only a model persuasive speech, but also displays his extraordinary persuasive speaking skill. He spoke concerning the American colonies’ relations with England, and urged his audience to accept the inevitable war rather than try to make amends.
The Negative Effects That Poli Essay Research
Paper The negative effects that political correctness has brought upon the equal rights movement. In this day and age it has become increasingly difficult to escape the clutch of political correctness. One can find this silent antagonist in the media, the classroom, and even our own backyards. People who at one point were in a position of power now find it quickly slipping away at the mercy of this double-edged sword.
Political Correctness Essay Research Paper Political CorrectnessThe
Political Correctness: Essay, Research Paper Political Correctness: The University of Southern California: The Teddy Bear Massacre Like so many other traditions, the burning of the bruin was put on the chopping block recently. The long running University of Southern California spirit activity consisted of throwing a large stuffed bear in a bon fire the night before the football game against their rival, the University of California at Los Angeles.
Speech Essay Research Paper There are two
Speech Essay, Research Paper There are two opposite points of view to this problem. One side suggests not to place any cods on speech on campuses of college institutions and another side strongly believes that speech must be protected by law. Mrs. Jennifer Kelley is following position of free speech in the article called Speech Codes Should Not Be Permitted on Campuses.
Hate Speech And The First Amendment Essay
, Research Paper On college campuses today the debate rages to limit certain kinds of speech that is racists and sexist, some students say that they have a right to say what ever they what because of the First Amendment and doing so will a volition of this right, but this kind of speech threatens the rights of minorities and dose let them engage in the leering process.
Farenheit 451 Essay Research Paper David Finch
Farenheit 451 Essay, Research Paper David Finch August 30, 1996 Civics Essay Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 forces us to envision a world that is so structured and censored fireman exist not to fight fires ,for all buildings are fireproof, but instead to burn books.
Burning The Flag Essay Research Paper The
Burning The Flag Essay, Research Paper The American flag is a piece of cloth that represents the United States of America. The burning of our flag has caused many controversies. Some citizens believe that
What Is Human Rights Abuse Essay Research
Paper What are Human Rights Abuses? Human Rights Abuses are occurrences where there are violations on an individual’s right to act in a way to make moral decisions. Tis includes violations against an individual’s political rights,worker rights, and freedom of religion,speech, press,peaceful assembly and association.
Historical Speeches Essay Research Paper Historical SpeechesEvery
Historical Speeches Essay, Research Paper Historical Speeches Every political moment seeks a great orator to proclaim its hopes and dreams. Historical figures left speeches that inspire us, even in the future. Many of them have given numerous memorable speeches in an effort to change the minds of the world.
Money Is A Form Of Expression Essay
, Research Paper Created in the post-Depression era, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) acts to protect investors by regulating financial speech. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled, in instances such as the TGS case, that this regulation is not unfair censorship, even though it means some speech is compelled.
Demonstration Critique Essay Research Paper Demonstration Critique
Demonstration Critique Essay, Research Paper Demonstration Critique During my demonstration speech, I was affected by my speech anxiety. Some of the viewable symptoms were the shaking of my hands and also the stuttering of speech. I was able to control myself and relax after I started getting into my information.
Political Crisis Essay Research Paper American political
Political Crisis Essay, Research Paper American political cartoons often follow the general displeasure of the government by the American people. They run the gamut from economics to foreign policy to the overwhelming popular topic of bureaucracy.
In George Orwell S Politics A
Essay, Research Paper In George Orwell s Politics and the English Language , the author argues that written language has suffered a serious decline as a result of political causes. Orwell shows there is a correlation between mistakes found in political language and modern language. He describes common misuses of the modern writing and provides examples of each one.
The World Essay Research Paper In an
The World Essay, Research Paper In an important speech, oral delivery is key, ingredients to oral delivery are tone, volume, rate, enthusiasm and clarity, how