On 30 Jul 99 at 12:48, Ian Francis wrote:
> Language is important, of course. However I think that forcing
> people to change how they speak is one thing, changing how they
> think is quite another. Forcing people to stop using derogatory
> language doesn't stop them thinking those thoughts.
>
> Parallel: the racist doesn't stop being a racist just because he or
> she isn't allowed to use the words they might be thinking - it just
> makes it harder for us to identify people with racist views and deal
> with them.
>
>
OK, but what's the alternative? At least by challenging
discriminatory use of language you reinforce the message (from
society/the institution you represent, etc) that the thoughts behind
it are unacceptable. This goes some way to changing the way people
act - even if it means just having to think before they open their
mouths and cause offence - and over time I honestly believe this
starts to change the way they think/feel.
It is a long-term process, that continually risks being undermined
by the 'lets all mock the over-sensitive, politically correct uptight
lobby' school of thought, but the field of race is one example of
some success. Racism is still a huge problem, but the words we use
to describe minority-ethnic groups have come a long way over the past
couple of decades, and it is no longer acceptable to use insulting or
degrading terms - to do so means labelling oneself racist,
rather than merely ignorant, and to invite public condemnation.
Whereas in the field of disability we still have publications like
the Guardian using language like 'the disabled' and
'wheelchair-bound' (where they have themselves been ridiculed for
unusally sensitive use of language with regard to race, sex and age),
so it seems to me we have to raise the standards here. I see
language as a good temperature guage for awareness levels and
understanding, but it is the most front-line thing to be challenged
(positively and constructively where possible) and discussed the
minute it happens, and if it is challenged it makes discriminatory
behaviour less likely to happen
Phew! I'll put the soapboax back under the desk for now. It is good
to have a bit of a heated debate type thing going isn't it, if only
to match the heat outside? Everyone must have got their HEFCE bids
finished..
Maya Middlemiss
Equal Opportunities Officer
University of Greenwich
Student Services (Island Site), Wellington St, Woolwich, London, SE18 6PF
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