Content deleted Content added
NPOV |
NPOV |
||
Line 8:
==Usage==
The intended purpose of political correctness is twofold: to remove language offensive to many, and to include all members of society by treating them equally. The first meaning is exemplefied by useage of "PC" terms such as "African-American" in the place of "negro" or "black," or the older term "nigger." However, the choice of specific [[racial]] or [[ethnic]] nomenclatre depends on both ___location and time period. For example, in the [[United Kingdom]], people of both Caucasian and African descent will use the term "black," while in the [[United States]] blacks may use "nigger" among themselves but this use is seen as unacceptable by whites.
Older terms for groups said to be underrepresented are sometimes viewed by members of the group as perpetuating stereotypes which exclude individuals from high status activities. For example, using [[linguistically marked]] word variants such as the term "poetess" could be said to denote that male practitioners are the norm, and some would say perpetuates what they see as male dominance in society. Some have suggested that the adherents of these linguistic changes are concerned with, in many cases, their acceptance of some form of [[linguistic relativism]] (e.g., the [[Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis]]), the idea that language influences thought and culture, or even—in some sense—that it constitutes reality itself. Nevertheless, advocates of these language changes state that the proposed changes are designed mainly to treat others with respect. Some counter that enforcing the use of specialized, politically correct [[jargon]] in regards to some creates a separate status for these groups, and thus prevents integration and acceptance.
| |||