| Language is central to cognition. Some argue it is determinist (language determines how we think); some argue it is representative (language mirrors how we think). Language is also central to social interaction (it is one of the richest forms of communication we have) and social interaction definately has some deterministic impact on the way we think and consequently act. The most commonly targeted aspect of political correctness targets the use of language that implies preconceptions (eg gender biased language implies gender structures in society). By addressing language, we address a lot of very complex issues. It brings them to the surface and makes them unacceptable. People who don't find the things political correctness addresses to be a problem, tend to attack it. Yet half of the point is to make them less accepted in society and thereby marginalise certain attitudes. Naturally, this annoys some people and they respond by attacking the concept of political correctness -- becausde they are the ones who will be disadvantaged by it. |