Political Correctness

• Pinker

  Euphemism Treadmill, constantly changing and can’t keep up with change
• Sapir-Wharf Hypothesis - “linguistic determinism“

  language controls and determines the way we think
• Deborah Cameron

  verbal hygiene
• cons

  • minority groups not consulted
  • lacks freedom of speech
  • euphemism treadmill
  • dilutes meaning, becomes unclear
  • too extreme, eg. “fisherthem”
• pros

  • fair
  • ensures equality
  • does not undermine/offend minority groups
  • reduces prejudice
  • inclusive