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The words we choose to use are equally important to the intention, tone and context when using those words. I had never been particulary aware of this before. However, living in the United States – in a day and age when most people want to be politically correct – makes you focus your attention on word choice, as well as the choices other people make. In my opinion, making an effort to be “politically correct” in your choice of words may not always render the results you are looking to achieve. For example, I am frequently asked if I consider it offensive to be called Mexican. It starts with a doubtful look, then a lower tone of voice. “So, you are Mexican? Is it ok to call you Mexican? Or do you prefer Hispanic?”
The first time this happened, I immediately shot back in anger “Would you be offended if I called you American?” My tone and intent were less than friendly. Then I realized that while the question was offensive, the intention was precisely the opposite. Now – being more used to dealing with that question and understanding people’s intent – I give the same answer in a much friendlier manner. Then I might go into an explanation of why I prefer the term Latina instead of Hispanic. I will not get into that today. If the point of using “politically correct” language is to show respect towards others, why not start by using all descriptions equally? In a conversation with two middle aged white women, I noticed the inequality of word usage when they spoke about different races. We were talking about people we knew. The conversation went something like this, “Remember so and so? He used to work in department X. The black guy.” The word “black” was spoken in a low voice, as if it were something bad you are not supposed to say. I do not remember anyone pronouncing the word “blonde” as a word that should not be heard. I have never heard anyone ask if it is acceptable to call someone “German” when they were born in Germany. If we strive for “political correctness” why not add “equal opportunity” to our word choices? Call all things their name. Speak loud and proud. Black is black. White is white. It’s ok to say it, isn’t it? Share your opinion and anecdotes by adding a comment, or send a message to
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, on 18-03-2009 10:28
I agree with you. Having lived in the U.S., where people worry too much about being P.C. and living in Israel now, where people tend to verge on being rude, calling things by their name without fear sounds good, as long as it\'s done... politely.
I think the problem is that being afraid to hurt people\'s sensitivities comes from feeling guilty and afraid about how one really feels towards others, about those who are different. When people stop feeling that way, then the right words and intonation will start coming out more easily and effortless. |
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, on 21-03-2009 15:03
I remember that when I first moved to Wisconsin from Chicago. Often I was the only white girl in a given setting. Moving up here made me feel so out of place where everyone was white. And people were afraid to say black. "Nigger" can be said with affection in some settings. None of them are up here. How we use words is so subtle and in some ways lost with the modern ease of communication. Before paper was cheap, you thought about words before you wrote them. There was no delete key with parchment and ink. Spell check has made us lazy on that front, we put less and less thought into all of our communications and when we are thinking about what we say or write, are we worried about the right things?!?! |
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