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The new politically correct terminology has sparked emotions and many people rant about how dumb it is. The new politically correct terms: Holiday Tree instead of Christmas Tree and Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah or Kwanzaa are meant to be polite to people of all backgrounds. However, does omitting language that ties to a tradition or culture really show respect for all people?

First it's important to examine the words "politically correct." This first word, politically, is linked to political, politics, politician, etc. Those who have proposed this new terminology are in fact politicians. Being politically correct has come down to omitting things that are most precious to people, such as religion, culture, heritage, etc. Trying to include everyone through politically correct language has made it so our language includes no one. Politically correct language goes wrong if it undermines the fact that there are positive cultural ties to certain words.

I understand that there are just certain words that are disrespectful and should never be used. This is when language is being used as a way to slander a person or group because of who they are. Politically correct language can be a tool that is used to build bridges where there is a history of abuse that in part was related to how language was used against them. An example of this is in using the words African American as a way to show respect to a people and acknowledge that damage done is the past may require repair of our choice of words in reference to these people. This is not political correctness gone wrong.

People can speak in ways that respect others without subtracting the details of who they are. My ethnicity, religion, and culture makes up a great deal of the person I am. While we can respect the differences of others various backgrounds, perhaps language change is more appropriate when we are less familiar with the people we are dealing wit h.Asking someone to check this information at the door does not encourage a healthy celebration of differences. Political correctness goes wrong when it create a barrier between people. If you get to know a person, you will know when to say Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah.

Language is a tool, and as a tool it is neither 'good' or 'bad'. It is how we use it that can either help or hinder our ability to form real relationships with people. Sharing respectfully a bit about ourselves will enhance the quality of our communication. Political correct language used as an appropriate guideline can help us if it used to show respect, but hurt us if we use it to ignore an important aspect of the background of those we come in contact with.

Learn more about this author, Abbi Sharp.
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