BY KYLE LOVERN
Over the past few years, the term political correctness has become the norm in our society.
I can definitely understand that some words or terms can be hurtful toward a certain race or disabled person. We know the “N” word should never be used, and terms like “retard” are very hateful and mean. I don’t think most of us want to really hurt or harm someone by using certain words. Most of us grew up knowing that.
But over the years it seems to have gotten out of hand with the use of some words or phrases.
A Stanford University report recently caused some ire after it hit the internet and media outlets picked up on it.
The guide was a part of the Stanford IT department’s “Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative” and contains a list of “potentially harmful terms used in the United States.”
Some of these words are what we routinely use in our list of everyday language and terminology.
Even the word “American” was designated as harmful. You’ve got to be kidding me! The study said it denotes supremacy to the United States over other countries in the Americas. Forgive me if my history teachers were wrong, but don’t we live in the United States of America? So how can the use of “he or she is an American” be hurtful or wrong?
The language guide listed “handicapped parking” among the terms to avoid. Instead, the report said to use “accessible parking” as an alternative term. But accessible to who? Once again, when you apply to the DMV for a parking placard because of a disability, it is referred to as a handicapped parking permit.
The report also said words that reinforce “male-dominated language” include “mankind,” which should be replaced with “people, humankind,” and “man-made,” which should be replaced with “made by hand” and “manpower.” They say these can be replaced with terms such as “workforce” or “personnel resources.”
I’m at a loss for words here. I mean, we are all human beings and mankind has always referred to all genders, not just males.
The term “Oriental” is seen as racial toward people of Asian descent. But if we buy an expensive Oriental rug, is it now to be called an Asian rug? I don’t see much difference or see this as a slur.
The term “straight,” as opposed to “heterosexual,” implies that non-heterosexuals are “bent” or not “normal,” according to this report. The guide also condemns the use of the term “thug” instead of “suspect” or “criminal” because it tends to take on a “racist connotation when used in certain circles.” Excuse me, but I think someone can be a thug no matter what race, gender or affiliation they may have. If you look up the word thug in the dictionary, you’ll see the definition and where I’m coming from.
Terms deemed to be forms of “institutionalized racism” include “brown bag” and “red team” due to the fact that “red” is often “used disparagingly to refer to American Indians. I can see how “redskin” could be offensive, but red team, blue team etc.? I guess when I took my lunch to work and someone asked if I wanted to go out to get lunch, but I said, “No thanks, I browned bagged it today,” I was being offensive?
Other terms or words in the study include the use of “convict” instead of “person who is or was incarcerated.” I’m sorry, but as someone who has reported the news for years, it may be difficult to change this common terminology. The report suggests we not use the term “prisoner” but instead use “person who is or was incarcerated.”
They say don’t say “homeless person,” but instead use “person without housing.” I don’t see a lot of difference here. They say not to use the word “immigrant” but instead use “person who has immigrated” or “non-citizen.”
In addition, the expressions “take a shot at” something and “take your best shot” also represent the unnecessary use of the imagery of hurting someone or something. I guess Pat Benatar, the 80s rock icon, will have to rewrite her hit “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”
In addition, the guide lists “long time no see” and “no can do” as offensive terms due to the fact that they “originated from stereotypes that mocked non-native English speakers.” I just thought that they were everyday terms we have grown to use. I never saw these as offensive.
The report listed many other words and phrases and just too many to list here.
After being publicized recently, the index of taboo terms and phrases was met with outrage among many. There were many other words, phrases and terms listed that they suggest we change.
So who is to say what is politically correct in our language? You be the judge and make up your own mind.
(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now retired but is freelancing for the Mountain Citizen.)