To be politically correct is to think before you speak, because “words are potent weapons for all causes, good or bad.” – Manly Hall.
Urban Dictionary defines political correctness as being a decent human who doesn’t say derogatory statements to their fellow humans. It also gives other politically affiliated meanings, but today we focus on this one.
Words are the next best weapon in the armoury of the insecure, fearful or proud. Words brought everything into existence (based on what I believe). Words are the caustic said after a beating (spanking in some homes), often ignored, because the child is too livid to hear anything. I was that angry child who loathed the question “Do you know why I beat you?” And loathed even more the part where hugging happened – proof of reconciliation.
Words if wrongly used, can hurt deeply and leave lasting scars. I remember when I was about 12, a maths teacher told me I was slow. Now this could have been true, but the manner in which those words were said—and the fact that they were said in front of the whole class—made me feel so irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Like if I died, it wouldn’t be so tragic… It’s the slow koalas that die quickly in forest fires after all (tragic, but unsurprising). I felt like I was the dumbest child in that class and henceforth, my math grew worse. What seemed minor, was actually major, causing a ripple effect that distorted a portion of my future. Be aware of what you say to others and be aware of what others say to you. This is where political correctness comes into play.
(1). Inclusive language for people with disabilities
Ableism is a term used in reference to prejudice or discrimination against persons with disabilities because of the belief that typical abilities are superior (like seeing). Ashley Eisenmenger, a disability inclusion training specialist, states that ableism includes harmful stereotypes, misconceptions, and generalisations of people with disabilities. It is important to note that disabled people aren’t defined by their disability and neither should they be looked at as people who need fixing.
It is quite sensitive when it comes to the terms used in reference to persons with disabilities, some see no problem with being called blind, for example. While others find the term completely derogatory. The middle ground though, is to put the person before their disability. Here are some politically correct ways to refer to them.
Use “intellectual disability,” which replaced “mental retardation” in U.S. federal law in 2010.
Do not call people dumb, stupid or Musilu, when they cannot speak or have a different thinking capacity from the rest. If it’s a struggle learning, call them a person with a learning disability. A person who can’t speak should be referred to as non-verbal. If it’s because they have a hearing problem, call them a person with a hearing impairment. Same applies to one who cannot see, they should be called a person with a visual impairment.
Instead of saying “that person with a birth defect,” say, “that person with a congenital disability.”
If it’s in regards to a space that needs to be accessed, instead of saying ‘handicapped/disabled washrooms’ say accessible washrooms
You can say “Let’s go for a walk” to a person who uses a wheelchair or write “Have you heard the news?” to a person who is deaf. However, phrases such as “blind as a bat” or “deaf as a post” should be completely avoided. You should also be careful with metaphors like “blind to criticism” and “to fall on deaf ears”.
We should refrain from using victim phrases such as ‘suffered from’, ‘stricken by’ or ‘afflicted with.’ These words are derogatory and weaken the individual being referred to. This is ableist language and contributes largely to the degradation of self-esteem.
(2). Inclusive language for appearance
Big-bodied, well-padded or rotund instead of fat. My mom, a plus size (Politically correct term) like myself, told me of how those days big trucks called Leyland had just come to the country. Her primary school was next to the highway, so the students saw these trucks as something to compare her to. So her classmates started saying things like “Oyo Akot alinga Leyland”, and “Laba Leyland atuuse.” They even nicknamed her Namunene or ki Namunene. But lucky for her, that didn’t break her spirit.
A person short of stature or a little person instead of the M word (midget).
For one who has been burnt and proof of that is fairly visible, do not refer to them as a burn victim or ‘that burnt person.’ Instead, they are referred to as burn survivors.
For slim individuals, do not refer to them as skeletal, skinny or starved. Instead call them snatched, lean or slender.
Instead of outrightly calling someone or something ugly, say visually unfavourable
(3). Inclusive language for gender, race, culture, profession or creed.
Instead of forefathers use ancestors
Artificial instead of man-made
Humanity instead of mankind
Do not say ‘that person is Asian’ or ‘they are African’, such statements are too broad and show some sort of disregard for the individual’s origin. Specificity is encouraged.
Outcast instead of black sheep
Housekeeper/house manager instead of housemaid.
Fairness instead of sportsmanship
First name instead of Christian name
Banned instead of blacklisted
Sex worker Instead of prostitute
Utility hole instead of manhole
Sanitation engineer instead of rubbish collector
Partner in reference to husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend
Insurgent instead of terrorist
Seasons greetings instead of Merry Christmas
Chalkboard instead of blackboard
Lie instead of white lie. It’s a lie at the end of the day irrespective of its colour
In the case of diverse genders, here at Nymy Net, we believe in only two genders. So there will be no terms of inclusion in regards to a gender that isn’t female or male.
Other inclusive terms
Genius or bookworm for nerd or geek.
Inebriated instead of drunk
Economically disadvantaged/marginalized instead of poor
Single-parent household instead of broken home
Neurodiverse as a description for individuals with autism, ADHD…etc
Being politically correct separates you from insensitivity. Once you are more intentional with your diction, choosing to be inclusive in your speech, even the people around you will appreciate you more. Always remember that words have so much power, so use them right to avoid any casualties. Most importantly inquire about how best to refer to an individual to avoid saying anything offensive.
Before we end, here are some hilarious politically correct alternatives;
Lying – economical with the truth
Insult – emotional rape
Perverted – sexually dysfunctional
Lazy – motivationally deficient
Bribe – public service bonus
If you have experienced prejudice from insensitive individuals, do not hesitate to share your experience and spread awareness.
Sources; DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE GUIDELINES
