Słowa niebezpieczne i niepożądane w przestrzeni społecznej. Etyka słowa a poprawność polityczna
Words that are dangerous and unwelcome in the social space. The ethics of the word and political correctness

Summary/Abstract: Political correctness was intended by its creators to prevent discrimination against social minorities by excluding marked and discreditable expressions from language and eliminating stereotypes. In the Polish context, stereotypical perception of women has been signifi cantly reduced due to political correctness. From the viewpoint of ethics, political correctness – as a system of orders and prohibitions regarding the use of words – resembles a newspeak with its excess of the magic function and exclusion of dangerous words. Political correctness restricts the possibility to evaluate and express differences and deprives language of its axiological dimension. It usually serves the presentation of one’s own views and identifi cation with the left-wing and liberal persuasion group, whereby it enhances the already sharp social divisions. Unfortunately, it is substitute to the necessary educational activities, which change convictions about and attitudes towards various discriminated groups. Observation of language leads to the conclusion that it is not words themselves that are harmful but their usages in the confrontational model of communication.

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