Tokenization — and moral posturing.
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Language evolves over time, and terms that were once deemed appropriate or politically correct can become outdated or even offensive as societal understanding and sensitivities change. Here are some examples of words and phrases that fit this description:
- “Oriental”
- Past Usage: Used to describe people or things from East Asia.
- Current View: Considered outdated and offensive when referring to people, as it objectifies and exoticizes Asian individuals. Preferred terms are “Asian” or specifying the country of origin, such as “Chinese” or “Japanese.”
- “Negro”
- Past Usage: Commonly used in the early to mid-20th century to refer to African Americans; appeared in official contexts like the “United Negro College Fund.”
- Current View: Now regarded as outdated and offensive. Preferred terms are “Black,” “African American,” or specifying nationality when appropriate.
- “Colored”
- Past Usage: Used to describe non-white individuals, particularly African Americans.
- Current View: Seen as antiquated and offensive. The term “people of color” is acceptable as a broad category for non-white individuals, but “colored” is not appropriate.
- “Handicapped”
- Past Usage: A common term for individuals with disabilities.
- Current View: Considered insensitive as it emphasizes limitations. Preferred terms are “persons with disabilities” or “disabled individuals,” focusing on the person rather than the disability.
- “Mentally Retarded”
- Past Usage: A clinical term used to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Current View: Now deemed offensive due to negative connotations and misuse as an insult. Preferred terms are “intellectually disabled” or “person with an intellectual disability.”
- “Third World Countries”
- Past Usage: Referred to countries not aligned with NATO (First World) or the Communist Bloc (Second World) during the Cold War.
- Current View: Viewed as derogatory and misleading. Preferred terms are “developing countries,” “low-income countries,” or “Global South.”
- “Eskimo”
- Past Usage: Used to describe Indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions.
- Current View: Considered offensive by some as it was a term imposed by outsiders. Preferred terms are “Inuit,” “Yupik,” or “Indigenous peoples of the Arctic,” depending on the specific group.
- “Indian” (when referring to Indigenous peoples of the Americas)
- Past Usage: Commonly used due to historical misidentification by explorers.
- Current View: Can be confusing and is often replaced with “Native American,” “Indigenous,” or specific tribal names for clarity and respect.
- “Homosexual”
- Past Usage: Clinical term for individuals attracted to the same sex.
- Current View: Sometimes viewed as outdated or carrying negative clinical implications. Preferred terms are “gay,” “lesbian,” or “queer,” depending on individual identity and preference.
- “Transsexual”
- Past Usage: Referred to individuals who have undergone medical procedures to align their physical sex with their gender identity.
- Current View: Considered narrow and sometimes offensive. “Transgender” is the preferred, more inclusive term that encompasses a range of gender identities and experiences.
- “Manpower”
- Past Usage: Used to describe the workforce or labor pool.
- Current View: Seen as gender-exclusive. Preferred terms are “workforce,” “staff,” or “personnel.”
- “Chairman”
- Past Usage: Title for the head of a meeting or organization.
- Current View: Gender-specific and potentially exclusionary. Preferred terms are “chairperson” or simply “chair.”
- “Mankind”
- Past Usage: Referred to humanity as a whole.
- Current View: Considered gender-exclusive. Preferred terms are “humankind,” “humanity,” or “people.”
- “Ghetto”
- Past Usage: Used to describe urban areas with a high concentration of minority residents.
- Current View: Can carry negative stereotypes and implications. Preferred to describe areas by their actual names or as “underserved” or “under-resourced communities.”
- “Illegal Alien”
- Past Usage: Legal term for someone residing in a country unlawfully.
- Current View: Considered dehumanizing. Preferred terms are “undocumented immigrant” or “unauthorized immigrant.”
Understanding the Shift
- Cultural Sensitivity: Increased awareness of how language affects marginalized groups has led to changes in preferred terminology.
- Focus on the Individual: Modern language trends emphasize person-first language (e.g., “person with a disability” rather than “disabled person”) to highlight individuality beyond a single characteristic.
- Avoiding Stereotypes: Terms that generalize or stereotype are being replaced with more precise language that respects diversity within groups.
Conclusion
Staying informed about the evolving nature of language is important for respectful communication. Using current, accepted terms helps promote inclusion and demonstrates cultural sensitivity. When in doubt, it’s considerate to ask individuals how they prefer to be identified or to consult reputable style guides and organizational guidelines.
