Perception Reflected In Labels We Use
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” - George Bernard Shaw
Dear Ms. James: Politically correct language is sterile. Reportedly, an L.A. Times editor was asked the correct language for “Indian Summer.” He replied, “Unseasonably warm weather.” The imposition of correctness by any form of force clearly violates the spirit of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment guarantee. I am unwilling to pay that price. Sincerely, - Karl
Dear Karl: I think of language as a public relations tool of the mind. It tells people what we are thinking and what we believe. Language has always changed as our sources of information or perceptions changed. We create new words constantly and change the meaning of old words. We no longer write or speak old English as in “Beowulf” or even Shakespeare.
Language is such an intimate part of our thought systems that there is a tug when word usage changes. If we have referred to children as “bastards” we don’t want to shift to “illegitimate” or “single parent.” The implication is that we were not very nice when we used “bastard.”
Words are more than just labels. Illegitimate children could not become part of many societies, they could not inherit, it was assumed they were sinners at birth. In some countries they are not allowed to marry. Many fights and even wars have begun because derogatory labels, like bastard, were used to humiliate.
Words let you do things to people. Savages can be killed, men cannot. Girls can be ignored, women cannot. Cripples, morons and defectives can be laughed at or abused, people with disabilities cannot. When you call someone a name that respects rather than de-humanizes them it alters your perception of how you are required to treat them. Just watch kids on a playground and who they feel it is safe to pick on.
New language is always awkward but it becomes less so as we use it and realize that everything does not have to be relabeled to extend respect to everyone. Those who make fun of political correctness do not see the shadow side of their own use of language. They do not want to see it because of what it says about them.
Along with the First Amendment we believe in the “pursuit of happiness.” I think that it’s easier to be happy if someone isn’t calling you names. We can expand our poetry, we can create even more beautiful ways of describing our world. The only limits to language and perception are the habits of the past. - Jennifer
Dear Jennifer: Thank you for your year-end reflection. I have some understanding of the international citizenship you mention. I am also a Catholic who has become totally disillusioned with my church and its lack of recognition of other species and the environment. I admire your words but I cannot share your optimism. If we do not come to grips with the population/ environmental problems, we could easily perish. - John
Dear Dr. James: Your recent column was one of the most thoughtful I have ever read. Although I have had similar ideas regarding primitive evolution and modern man’s capability to bypass nature you said it in a better way. It’s important to say what you think and to open minds to alternative ideas. I’m keeping that article as a philosophical gem. - Gene
Dear John and Gene: There are many books and articles being published now on the ideas of “conscious evolution” and the unity of life. I am optimistic because I think we are becoming more aware of the obligations we have to this planet and to each other. Carl Jung defined perfection in human beings as becoming fully conscious. When we are conscious of both our good side and our shadow or negative side, we become capable of offering the goodness to the community without the shadow. - Jennifer
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The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Jennifer James The Spokesman-Review