Violence in Language

Eliminating language of sexism, racism, or violence is simply not an obtainable goal. Our history is filled with history that demands to still be heard today. Even though this language may be seen as offensive, it is necessary that we acknowledge the past in order to create a better, less discriminating future. For example, in Mike Lester’s political cartoon, “NCAA Native American Mascots,” there is irony behind the fact that they want to band Native American Mascots, but one of the executives’ Jeep Cherokee is in the parking lot. Therefore proving, if we try to strictly be “politically correct,” we will inevitably create an “unintentional self-parody”(Kakutani), by repeating the same mistakes we have in the past regarding ignoring our history of violence and discrimination. Thus, it is truly not possible to try to erase our country’s past by trying to mask certain events. In a more linguistic sense, the english language allows for metaphors and hyperboles in order to convey a dramatic tone. The phrase, “You’re dead meat” is not actually intended to hurt anyone when used in a joking fashion. However, trying to implement “alternative phrases,” like the “North York Women Teachers’ Association,” suggests, will not instill peace into our society when violence is filled whenever we turn on the news, listen to music, or watch a movie. While violence is a part of our past, it is also apart of our present. Furthermore in, “Words dont mean what they mean,” Steven Pinker writes that innuendos and double entendres are used in language to imply that everyone is attempting to further relationships and create a relationship of equality. Contrastingly, I believe that these allusive and uncertain remarks may be slightly offensive, they are used to avoid extremely harsh comments that are said to be seen as socially polite. Trying to implement “nonviolent” phrases and pretend violence doesn’t exist in this world will simply deprive our children of the harsh reality.