Oppressive Language and Society.

This past week in class we learned about oppressive language. Oppressive language is the use of words or phrases that discriminate against a certain group of people.  There are many oppressive words in the English language that are used every day without many of us even realizing we are using them.  Because of this, many people that fit the literal description of these words become offended.

For example, when I was younger, I thought the word “retard” or “retarded” were just words that were used to describe something or someone that was dumb. I have always been compassionate towards people with special needs, even going to the point of helping them read and write during my 1^st period class. But even though I was conscious of what this word actually means, my friends and I still used it quite frequently. Until one day, my friends and I were walking down the hallway and a special need’s student was approaching us from the other direction. My friend (who was not very considerate) called something “retarded” in the presence of this special needs student. Although I do not believe the student heard what my friend had said, it still had an effect on everyone in the situation.  After putting two and two together, I felt extremely guilty for even being in the presence of someone so ignorant as to blurt out such an awful word. I believe that occurrence had shaped me into becoming a more conscious person about the words I decide to use. Not only do I not use the word “retard” or “retarded” in that context, I try to refrain from using any other sort of oppressive language.

            Another example of how oppressive language effects society is the simple use of phrases that have probably been taught since early on in childhood.  An oppressive phrase that many people do not realize offends a certain culture group is the phrase, “Sitting Indian style.” Indian style refers back to the Indians in the new world and still to this day offends Native Americans. Although this “style” reflects the culture of the Native Americans and how they would sit back then, it still deems disrespectful to the culture.  Instead of using the term “Indian style,” people should use the culture neutral phrase of “sitting cross-legged.” This phrase does not pinpoint a certain culture or group, but merely describes the way a person sits, with their legs crossed. This term makes a lot more sense and should be taught in schools and in early childhood instead of the phrase “Indian style.”

            Clearly oppressive language effects a lot more people than many think. The use of this language should be eliminated and the new words or phrases should be neutral for all people. With a language full of neutrality, no one would have to watch what they say and most importantly, many people will not feel hurt or offended.