The expression "politically correct" may be a bit inappropriate or confusing, since it does not refer to being correct in itself, but to being respectful and considerate of others. To achieve this, avoid expressions and actions that exclude, marginalize or offend a group of people. The term "politically correct" first became popular during the 1970s and 1980s. This concept is of great importance as it promotes equality by showing that all people and specific groups are important, regardless of who they are. ethnicity, culture, religion, gender and sexual orientation.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Be a More Caring Person
Step 1. Reflect on your way of thinking
Why is it so important to you? What do you think the term "politically correct" means? Write your thoughts or make a mental list to explore your reasoning, and decide and discover what your priorities are.
- No one automatically "earns points" for being "correct." This is not a math test.
- You have the right to say what you want, but others can also express their disagreement. This freedom does not mean that you do not have to face the consequences of what you say. You decide what words to use.
- Nobody is perfect. Everyone is wrong from time to time; this is normal. The important thing is that you make an effort and apologize if you hurt someone. Also, try to be a good listener.
Step 2. Focus on being kind and caring, not being "right."
The expression "politically correct" can be a bit confusing, since it is about respecting others and being kind, not about imposing rules. Understand that your words can hurt others, and relate to the painful experiences they may have suffered throughout their lives. Focus less on yourself and your words, and more on the impact they have on others.
- The goal is not to censor people, but to encourage them to be nice.
- The important thing is not to be correct, but not to be evil, especially with those who are facing difficult situations or dealing with cruel people.
- Instead of asking yourself if you are politically correct, ask yourself if you are kind and respectful to others.
- Understand that freedom of expression must be reciprocal. Your teacher has the right to make racist comments online, and you have the right to take a screenshot, post it on social media, and write that he should be fired. Just as people have the right to be cruel or evil, you have the right to answer their grievances.
- It's not that people are "overly sensitive," but that it's important to be nice. After all, there is a difference between "Don't bother him because he is sensitive and whiny" and "be careful because he feels very bad when someone bothers him, since people tend to hurt him very often. Give him a break."
Step 3. Reflect on your biases
Evaluate your conscious or unconscious biases. This includes stereotypes regarding certain groups of people. If you recognize that you feel negative things about different people or specific groups, try to adapt your way of expression and your behavior to begin to respect others.
- There are many ways to reflect on your own biases. What do you think of when you hear an ethnic surname? What is your first instinct when discovering that someone is gay or transsexual? Identify your biases by being honest about your initial reactions.
- In addition to recognizing them, an excellent tool to identify any negative feelings is the implicit association test (IAT). Look it up on a psychology website on the internet to determine what your biases are.
Step 4. Learn more about the different types of biases
Understanding the prejudices of society and the whole world can help you open your eyes. Understand that people have problems other than yours to reflect on your biases. Education is a great way to overcome them, understand that there is a great diversity of people, and become more politically correct.
- Individuals and groups suffer discrimination on various grounds, be it ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, culture, and socio-economic status. If you cannot easily identify them, study and learn more with human rights materials or talk to people who have suffered discrimination.
- Enroll in a course at college or do some research online to learn more about prejudice.
Step 5. Interact with different people
Stepping out of your comfort zone is a very important step in becoming more aware of differences. Being politically correct doesn't just mean choosing the right words to express yourself, but learning to respect differences. Show interest, interact, talk and make new friends with people other than yourself.
- Look for work or study partners who are different from you. Invite someone to lunch who is different from the point of view of ethnicity, religion, sexuality or country of origin. If the link isn't very close, start by starting a conversation. While they can talk about the differences, you might be surprised how many points in common they surely have.
- Live experiences and attend culturally diverse events. Developing the thinking and understanding that all people are equal through interactive learning will help you adopt a more respectful attitude.
Step 6. Don't be afraid to ask
People, especially those who are part of a privileged group, do not always understand the experiences of those who have been or are oppressed. Listen carefully to their responses to counteract this difficulty.
- Ask questions in a search engine to see if someone has answered them.
- Don't ask disrespectful or overly personal questions. "What pronouns should I use to refer to you?" and "Can you recommend any resources on the internet to learn more about transsexuality?" they are totally acceptable questions. "What do your genitals look like?" It is too private a question, and it would only be acceptable if you wanted to have sex with the person in question, or if you are a doctor and need this information for health reasons.
Part 2 of 3: Choose respectful language
Talk to members of different communities to determine what is acceptable and what is offensive.
Step 1. Pay attention and reflect on disrespectful expressions, thoughts, and actions
By instructing yourself and controlling your thoughts, you will be able to control and modify your language and behavior. People can interpret and make inferences from your words. When interacting with others, you should ideally be open, respectful, and informed, rather than being reckless and disrespectful.
- Avoid racist, sexist, homophobic jokes, etc., since they could hurt others.
- If you find yourself thinking negative ideas about people, don't scold yourself. Instead, ask yourself "Why did I think that?", "Do I agree with that idea?" or "What would most reflect the attitude I want to adopt?"
Step 2. Respect people of different ethnicities
Understand the racist origin of words that are highly offensive like black, or more subtle, like illegal.
- Many common expressions are associated with historical discrimination, due to cultural arrogance and lack of exposure to the diversity of some social groups. Terms like "Chinese sale", "Indian giver", "Jewish haggling" (bargaining) and "gypsy" (a bad business, derived from the term "gypsy") are racist.
- Many common words also have discriminatory origins and are considered offensive, such as "gypsy" and "oriental", both derogatory. Instead of using the term "gypsy", try saying "bad business", instead of saying "oriental", say "Asian".
- Some common actions, such as wearing certain costumes for Halloween, include cultural appropriation, that is, when cultural elements are taken from social minorities (often from the dark-skinned population) and transformed into trends or a species of game. For example, this includes wearing hairstyles or feathers like those used by Native Americans, wearing black makeup to represent a person with a dark complexion, or yellow makeup to imitate an Asian person, and other related actions that represent extreme versions.
Step 3. Use expressions that include the LGBTQIA + community
Some people are bisexual, transsexual, asexual, or generic fluid, etc. It is important that you understand that everyone deserves respect and inclusion. Learn to use neutral expressions to include those with different sexual orientations and gender identities.
- For example, instead of asking "Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?", Try saying "Do you have a partner?" Don't assume these people are straight or monogamous.
- Don't make generalizations about the genitals. Some women have a penis, and some men have a clitoris. Also, there are people who are intersex.
- Respect gender identity. There are more than two genres: no gender, generic fluid, etc. The true name of the people is the one they accept that corresponds to their gender.
- In case you have questions about how to respect someone's identity, be honest and ask. People will appreciate your good intentions.
Step 4. Avoid expressions that exclude people of specific genders
These phrases can be very hurtful. Sexism (that is, discrimination against the gender identity of a marginalized person) is very common (and is sometimes used unconsciously). Therefore, it is very important that you avoid assigning specific genders to things in your mind or out loud, such as jobs. Also, do not say that a certain object, occupation or activity is exclusive to "men" or "women."
- Use neutral titles for positions when you are not talking about someone in particular. For example, "the person in charge of the presidency", instead of saying "president", "the person in charge of the direction", instead of saying "director", "flight attendant", instead of "stewardess", etc. The situation changes when referring to a specific person. For example, if you are in a meeting and want to introduce Mr. Juan García, the president of the company, you can say "Please, let's give a warm welcome to Mr. García, president of the Board."
- Using terms like "woman's job" or "secretary" (instead of saying "administrative assistant") is also discriminatory and derogatory.
- Calling women "girls" (instead of "young ladies") infantilizes them and discards the fact that women's place in the world is the same as men's.
Step 5. Support victims of abuse, sexual harassment and rape
Violence is a serious problem that many people use as a joke in many casual conversations, alienating victims and making it more difficult for them to ask for help. To help them, start respecting them and taking the problem seriously.
- It recognizes that most (but not all!) Victims are women. Use an inclusive vocabulary when talking about these social issues.
- Making comments such as "She asked for it" about victims of violence, or phrases related to the physical appearance of women is a cruel and contemptuous attitude.
- Avoid rape-related jokes, as they can be very hurtful to people who have survived these types of situations.
Step 6. Do not use specific religious terms when you are with people of different faiths
There are many different religious beliefs, and not all people share the same ideas. When talking to a group of people, remember that some may be religious, agnostic, or atheistic. Limit the use of religious expressions, especially when speaking in group conversations. Save your comments to share with people of the same religion.
- Do not use religious terms when speaking to people who are not religious or whose beliefs you do not know. For example, instead of telling an atheist who is ill that you will pray for them, tell them that your thoughts are with them and their family.
- You can also avoid the terms "God" or "God". Each religious group has different names and rules for using them. Jews do not say the name of god, Muslims refer to their god as "Allah", Hindus worship various gods.
- Avoid asking questions like "What would Jesus do?" to a person whose religion you do not know, or to a group that is not Christian.
- There is an exception to that rule: when you want to describe certain specific or academic characteristics of a religious group. For example, you can say "Evangelical Christians have certain beliefs" or "Members of the Jewish faith celebrate Yom Kippur."
Step 7. Avoid expressions that belittle people with physical or mental disabilities
Some people prefer certain specific terms such as "disabled", while others prefer the expression "person with a disability". It is best to respect individual preference. Make sure you don't use disparaging terms like "retarded" or "dwarf." Avoid using any word that refers to a disability as an insult.
- Certain words, such as "stupid," "crippled," "handicapped," or "psychopathic" are examples of disability-based offenses or insults that imply that such disabilities are humiliating and that the people who suffer from them would not agree with your opinion.
- Treat people with disabilities like anyone else, adapting to their needs without resistance and treating the situation as something natural. Offer your help if necessary, and don't insist if they say they don't need it.
- Always place the person before the disability. For example, it is better to say "person with Down syndrome" rather than "person Down." The autistic, blind, and deaf communities are some exceptions to the rule (eg, "autistic person"). When in doubt, ask people what their preference is.
Step 8. Respect people of all sizes
Heavier people, especially women, suffer discrimination and difficulties because of the social perspective regarding weight. Be aware of the hurtful stereotypes that accompany an overweight person, such as being lazy, unhealthy, gluttonous, etc. Skinny people, especially men, also suffer discrimination from society.
- Do not tell someone that they have to gain or lose weight, or offer advice and commands to achieve it. It is best not to discuss the matter directly. His body is not your problem.
- Don't assume that a skinny person suffers from an eating disorder.
- Pay close attention to the way you express yourself. Some people, especially those who fight for the end of discrimination, identify themselves as "fat" and promote the destigmatization of the term. Other people might feel hurt by this adjective.
Step 9. Practice
Familiarize yourself with the terms that social communities use, and those that they consider inappropriate or hurtful. Then incorporate the first ones into your vocabulary. The more you practice, the easier it will be for you to respect others. Also, it is highly unlikely that you will offend them.
Part 3 of 3: Talk to People or Groups
Step 1. Put your knowledge into practice
When conversing or discussing with people and groups, remember that you have learned to work with your words. The goal is not to hurt anyone with your language or actions.
Step 2. Understand the situation
Are you at your workplace? In a conference? At a friend's party? At a family dinner? Each of these situations has different social rules for polite behavior. Be aware of the circumstances to use the appropriate words and actions.
- Formal situations (such as at work or at professional events) often have the highest standards and the greatest consequences. Informal and private situations are usually more relaxed, but it is still important to respect others. Regardless of whether you are talking to a person who belongs to an oppressed group or not, private attitudes determine people's reaction to minorities.
- Think of the people or members of the group. Even if they are not or belong to a minority, they may have friends, family and acquaintances who are. Do you want to show empathy or contempt? Compassion or disrespect?
Step 3. Avoid using expressions that include multiple people in a broad category
Don't group people by religion, sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity. Each person is unique, acts differently, and has their own beliefs. This type of vocabulary only reduces the others in a label. Remember: people are much more than an item within a category.
- For example, don't group people as "deaf," "gay," "Jewish," or "black." When referring to a social group, acknowledge the differences. For example, you can say "Many blind people feel …".
- Use inclusive expressions so that people feel included in any situation.
Step 4. Don't use discriminatory vocabulary
When talking to or about certain groups, avoid generalizing terms, such as "we" or "them." This suggests separation, rather than equality and inclusion.
Step 5. Respect the way people refer to themselves
Each person has the right to choose the language that best describes their ethnicity, class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, or physical ability.
- If you have questions regarding the preferences of someone in particular, ask them. For example, you can say "I don't want to offend you, but I would like to know if you prefer the term" black "or" African American. "If you don't feel comfortable with either of these two options, you can ask which one he prefers. If you make your intentions clear, it is very likely not to bother.
- Don't use controversial terms if you are not part of a group. For example, many "Roma" people identify as "gypsies". Unless you are part of this community, avoid using the word "gypsy", and prefer "roma". Do not appropriate the word.
- Avoid buzzwords. Most are used by people outside a group. For example, don't call a person with a disability "semi-temporary" or "differently skilled," just as you shouldn't call a short person "vertically disadvantaged." Many people find these words to sound very weird. This implies preferring the words of those directly affected over "allies" in psychology or sociology who might even accentuate the use of certain terms.
Step 6. Respond politely if a person tells you that your words have hurt someone
Don't take it personally or get defensive. Accept the decision of each person or group to reject your way of expressing yourself. If you accidentally use a wrong term or offend someone, apologize for your mistake and use the word he has chosen for himself.
Step 7. Teach, instead of criticizing someone by correcting them
If you come across someone who says hurtful things or put someone else down, take a deep breath and stay calm. The important thing is that you avoid fighting with her, feeling superior or trying to criticize her. Instead, talk to the person in question about the term. Open the lines of communication and get involved in the dialogue, instead of humiliating her or telling her that she has acted very badly.
- When in doubt, it is always better to think that the intentions of others are good.
- Keep in mind that the person in question may have different values than yours. Some people prefer to refrain from certain questioning and social problems so as not to be embarrassed, while others do not fit certain stereotypes, or your perspective on what an oppressed or privileged person looks like or how they would act.
- Criticize actions, not people. "Please stop making fun of Venezuelan immigrants. I have friends from Venezuela and your jokes really offend me and are derogatory."
- Protect the ego of the person in question, while criticizing their attitude. For example, you can say, "I am surprised to learn that a thoughtful person like you could say something so hurtful about someone with Down syndrome."
- When correcting someone, try to start and end with a compliment. Start with a compliment, such as that you think he's right about some things or that he wrote a good article. Then proceed to correct or criticize her. Remember, do it in a good way and don't be rude. Then end with a compliment, such as saying that they seem thoughtful and intelligent.
Step 8. Respect differences of opinion
If you want to talk about sensitive topics (like religion or politics), make sure you are open to hearing other opinions. People form their perspectives from their own origins and experiences. If you want to share your opinion, be willing to listen to others. In fact, you might learn new information or consider other perspectives to help you broach the subject. All people have something to teach.
- Share the attention and allow others to speak too.
- Pay close attention to differing opinions. This is your chance to learn something new.
- Opinions focused on putting others down (such as "black women are disgusting queens of well-being" or "autistics shouldn't have children") are not valid expressions. In fact, they make up hateful speech.
Step 9. Focus on the people first
Respecting others is not about looking after your reputation, but about being nice to others. Be respectful, accepting of others, and use inclusive thinking and language. You are unlikely to fail if you focus on valuing people.
Remember that words are powerful
Step 10. Value different people
The first reaction to someone different may be confusion or fear. In this case, take a deep breath, remember that this person is also valuable, and allow your second reaction to be acceptance and respect. Individual differences are important and significant.
Advice
- Remember to practice empathy. You don't want to hurt or offend others.
- If you accidentally hurt someone, apologize and learn from your mistakes. This will help you interact with this or another person or groups in the future.
- Whenever you are in doubt as to which word to use, choose to remain silent.
- Generally, it is best to avoid terms such as nouns (for example, avoid calling an autistic person "an autistic" or a transgender person "a transsexual"). Although some people refer to themselves with these types of expressions, using the term as a noun is often rude in many cases, especially if you are not part of the group.