Political Correctness

Question 1

What is political correctness

Answer 1

The way that language can be adapted to minimise social inequalities
Avoids insults, controlling people, sexism, racism,

Question 2

Why are people resistant to PC

Answer 2

Seen as a form of controlling peoples freedom of thought and expression
Can cause resentment
People do not like to be challenged on their views

Question 3

Arguments for the use of PC

Answer 3

Helps shape social attitudes
Acts as a symbol that society is committed to becoming more equal and inclusive

Question 4

Arguments against PC

Answer 4

People feel restricted and can’t speak their minds
Language only reflects social attitudes not shape them
Creates resentment against the groups it tries to protect

Question 5

PC theorists
Deborah Cameron

Answer 5

Verbal hygiene
People attempt to clean up language and make its structure conform with correctness
PC causes anxiety in white middle class men because it challenges the power of the majority

Question 6

Linguistic determinism

Answer 6

Language shapes thoughts
If we don’t have the words for a concept we can’t think about it

Question 7

Linguistic reflection aims

Answer 7

Thoughts are reflected through the use of language rather than language controlling thoughts

Question 8

Steven pinker

Answer 8

Words that replace offensive terms over time become offensive themselves such as retard

Question 9

Norman Fairclough

Answer 9

PC isn’t enough, we need to change society and the way they think

Question 10

Harvey and shalom

Answer 10

A problem area is often indicated by the large number of alternative words for something
Dysphemistic- fuck, shag, screw, bonk
The sun often uses bonk over fuck