The expression "politically correct" came about in the 1970's
and was intended to mean "inclusive." It referred to the use of
language that would not cause an individual of any demographic
(social or cultural) group to feel excluded, offended, or
diminished.
It now seems to have been redefined by those who prefer an
exclusive culture and dominance for themselves or their group. The
distortions were made popular by comedians who observed the change
in U.S. culture toward more inclusiveness and the struggle many
people had in breaking exclusionary habits.
Steps
- Be careful when addressing groups or talking about others, use
language that would not make any person feel excluded, diminished
or devalued.
- Avoid language that addresses only one demographic group unless
it is intended for that group only, such as using "men" when you
mean "all people." Accurate descriptions are the essence of
'political correctness.'
- Avoid titles that are exclusionary, such as "Chairman" (use
"Chairperson"); "Fireman" (use Fire Fighter); and "Stewardess" (use
"Flight Attendant"). The use of titles that exclude persons of a
different gender or other social groups is usually acceptable when
addressing an individual, as in a business setting, where Mr. Smith
is the CEO, and you are introducing him as "Mr. Smith, our Chairman
of the Board".
- Avoid expressions that are derogatory with regard to physical
or mental abilities, such as "handicapped" or "retarded". Instead,
use person first language, such as "person with a disability" or
"person with Down's Syndrome". People have disabilities, they are
not defined by them. In many cases, simply addressing the person
who has mental, physical, or other challenges in the same terms as
you would address anyone else is the ideal solution.
- Avoid overly-cautious racial descriptions that can be
offensive. For example, say "African American" only when talking
about Americans who have immigrated from or hold dual-citizenship
in Africa. Otherwise the person is simply an American.
- Avoid the use of religious terms when speaking to a group that
may include people who belong to different religions. The exception
here is in the context of describing either academically or
referencially specific characteristics of such a group, as in
"Evangelical Christians hold certain beliefs...", or "Jewish people
commonly recognise Yom Kippur...".
- Be sensitive to the inferences people may read in to the words
you choose. Many common expressions have roots in a less inclusive
social climate, and only time and education can completely
eliminate them. By the same token, each cultural group has equal
protection from offensive generalizations and slurs, not just a
certain ethnic group or gender.
- Respect every individual's right to choose the language and
words that best describe their race, class, sex, gender, sexual
orientation, or physical ability. Don't get defensive if someone
rejects language which dis-empowers, marginalizes, confines, or
diminishes them. The ability to name is a daunting power;
individuals should play a role in selecting words to describe
themselves.
Tips
- When speaking and writing, your audience is likely to include
people of differences; if you want to be taken seriously, use
language that includes all of them and does not offend any
subgroup.
- Consult a writing guide to learn appropriate terms of inclusive
language for people, such as the "Publication Guide of the American
Psychological Association." Look up "bias in language."
Warnings
- Using exclusive language can be unlawful in some se
