Racism and Language

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Slide 1

Racism and Language

We often hear people complain about how ‘political correctness’ has ‘gotten out of hand.’ It is said by some that it is impossible to know what words are offensive and inoffensive to others. The implication is that society has become far too sensitive about identity.

Firstly, can you give a good working definition of the term ‘political correctness?’ What does it mean to you? Where and how did you come into contact with this particular definition?

What are the intentions behind this idea? What was it trying to do?

Slide 2

Racism and Language

3. Now list as many words or terms that you know are perceived as insulting, or belittling to different social groups (see Wikipedia for a full rundown of ‘ethnic slurs’). Do you know the provenance of any of these terms? Where did they originate and in what context are they used?

4. Political correctness – in its modern usage,

the term ‘political correctness’ is said to

have emerged in the 1960s. It was initially

taken seriously as an idea by the Radical Left

but its meaning mutated to the extent that it

became a means of self-criticism and

self-satire.

Slide 3

Racism and Language

For instance, T.Bambara’s ‘The Black Woman’ argued that ‘a man cannot be politically correct and a male chauvinist too.’ At this stage the term is taken seriously. Personal behaviour was under scrutiny, and was expected to reflect the individual's professed politics. Fair enough you might say. Pulling out ‘Penthouse’ and expecting your partner to get the household chores completed, whilst simultaneously defining yourself as a Feminist was not particularly consistent!

However as the term took on a different meaning

it became a means of self-satire, a guard

against orthodoxy in progressive social movements,

for instance in Feminism’s criticisms of the anti-

-pornography movement. (E. Willis)

Slide 4

Racism and Language

However, before elements of Political Correctness began to reflect on the power of language, it was routine to hear racist, sexist, homophobic and xenophobic language on a daily basis, from buses and street corners to comedians, journalists and politicians.

Question – write done a list of emotions that might be experienced were you to be the subject of an insult that homes in on your race, sexuality, gender, disability. Why do these words have such an impact?

On the question of Prince Harry’s (and subsequently Prince Charles – heirs to the throne both), do you believe the response to their comments was disproportionate? Can such terms be seen as affectionate ‘nicknames?’