Just a couple of definitions:
Political correctness (PC) is essentially what is currently felt to be correct in language and behaviour in regard to a range of issues including racism and sexism.
In Australia, racism and sexism are seen as the new ‘taboos’. In line with becoming a more sophisticated and tolerant society, some basic human rights have been enshrined in law to protect people against discrimination— the Racial Vilification Act 1992, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commis-sion Act 1986 all seek to protect basic human rights. Discriminatory language, which was once widely used in this country and others, is now one of the biggest social taboos. Political correctness is partially based on the notion that the language we use defines or gives away the attitudes we hold towards what we are describing, whether we hold this attitude consciously or not. Therefore, in order to be politically correct our choice of language is paramount.
- Taunt et al, Heinemann English language
A new vogue for reflecting changes in social expectations has been the push for politically correct terminology in a variety of domains, particularly in education, the media and government. Political correctness is mostly expressed through the use of words and phrases that encourage an attitude of tolerance and acceptance of a variety of life experiences which formerly were sometimes considered less acceptable.
This has led to some backlash as the changes have sometimes been ‘imposed’ before the underlying assumptions across society have changed. Some of the movements that have adopted political correctness in language usage include the feminist movement and environmentalists. These movements have had their extremists and in some cases people have identified more inclusive and politically correct language usage with these zealots. This has sometimes led to lampooning of politically correct language and to the term politically correct itself developing negative connotations.
Also...
Another way in which changing social expectations are reflected is in the reclamation of certain words by the people originally victimised by their dysphemistic use. For example, recently the word wog has been adopted by some people of Mediterranean background as a term to be proud of. Similarly, homosexuals have reclaimed gay and queer may be undergoing the same process.
- Mulder et al, Macmillan English language
Own thoughts:
PC is a difficult issue because it is so dynamic. What is considered appropriate in one context or with a certain audience may not apply to the situation in the adjacent building. What is obvious is the necessity to tread carefully . In most cases, language that is considered taboo/un-PC had negative connotations in the past. People have differing attitudes, and may or may not accept changes to meaning. IMO, the best path is to be cautious, using the most generic/safe option until an understanding develops with the audience in question. Even if they are not members of the group in question, some take offence to the use of words such as 'fellow', 'wog' etc., as it seems to be a reflection of your personal attitudes, keeping in mind that these words were used in a derogatory sense in the past.
In response to Skipper's original post, you'd probably need to tread carefully, especially with religion. The issue here is not so much PC language, but that you are putting the emphasis on difference. Would you find it bizarre if people started referring to you as 'athiest'? (I'm just making an assumption here, correct me if I'm wrong). By using "terrorist" and "hypocrite", you are making both generalisations and value-judgements regarding their beliefs, which is probably regarded as unacceptable behaviour in this day and age. However, as I said above, it all depends on context. If it is with a friends exclusively then I dare say you'll get away with it (if they approve). But in a gathering where you are unsure of someone's attitude, it's better to be safe than sorry. The line in the sand changes with the tide, but there are some times you can be sure where it lies.
Political correctness (PC) is essentially what is currently felt to be correct in language and behaviour in regard to a range of issues including racism and sexism.
In Australia, racism and sexism are seen as the new ‘taboos’. In line with becoming a more sophisticated and tolerant society, some basic human rights have been enshrined in law to protect people against discrimination— the Racial Vilification Act 1992, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commis-sion Act 1986 all seek to protect basic human rights. Discriminatory language, which was once widely used in this country and others, is now one of the biggest social taboos. Political correctness is partially based on the notion that the language we use defines or gives away the attitudes we hold towards what we are describing, whether we hold this attitude consciously or not. Therefore, in order to be politically correct our choice of language is paramount.
- Taunt et al, Heinemann English language
A new vogue for reflecting changes in social expectations has been the push for politically correct terminology in a variety of domains, particularly in education, the media and government. Political correctness is mostly expressed through the use of words and phrases that encourage an attitude of tolerance and acceptance of a variety of life experiences which formerly were sometimes considered less acceptable.
This has led to some backlash as the changes have sometimes been ‘imposed’ before the underlying assumptions across society have changed. Some of the movements that have adopted political correctness in language usage include the feminist movement and environmentalists. These movements have had their extremists and in some cases people have identified more inclusive and politically correct language usage with these zealots. This has sometimes led to lampooning of politically correct language and to the term politically correct itself developing negative connotations.
Also...
Another way in which changing social expectations are reflected is in the reclamation of certain words by the people originally victimised by their dysphemistic use. For example, recently the word wog has been adopted by some people of Mediterranean background as a term to be proud of. Similarly, homosexuals have reclaimed gay and queer may be undergoing the same process.
- Mulder et al, Macmillan English language
Own thoughts:
PC is a difficult issue because it is so dynamic. What is considered appropriate in one context or with a certain audience may not apply to the situation in the adjacent building. What is obvious is the necessity to tread carefully . In most cases, language that is considered taboo/un-PC had negative connotations in the past. People have differing attitudes, and may or may not accept changes to meaning. IMO, the best path is to be cautious, using the most generic/safe option until an understanding develops with the audience in question. Even if they are not members of the group in question, some take offence to the use of words such as 'fellow', 'wog' etc., as it seems to be a reflection of your personal attitudes, keeping in mind that these words were used in a derogatory sense in the past.
In response to Skipper's original post, you'd probably need to tread carefully, especially with religion. The issue here is not so much PC language, but that you are putting the emphasis on difference. Would you find it bizarre if people started referring to you as 'athiest'? (I'm just making an assumption here, correct me if I'm wrong). By using "terrorist" and "hypocrite", you are making both generalisations and value-judgements regarding their beliefs, which is probably regarded as unacceptable behaviour in this day and age. However, as I said above, it all depends on context. If it is with a friends exclusively then I dare say you'll get away with it (if they approve). But in a gathering where you are unsure of someone's attitude, it's better to be safe than sorry. The line in the sand changes with the tide, but there are some times you can be sure where it lies.

