How do you feel about the concept of ‘politically correct language? Are you anxious? Fearful? Comfortable? Uncomfortable? Indifferent?
Yes, I would be anxious, fearful, uncomfortable, and indifferent because English is my fourth and fifth language. Sometimes I fear saying something upsetting when I don’t mean to. As a native speaker, I must learn the meanings of words first before I write them down at work or for other reasons, but when speaking, I can make many mistakes, but it is not deliberate.
Where do you think these feelings come from?
They come from an unknown place because we do not get taught this in society; we must learn it through mistakes or look to learn ourselves. Also, when I went to school, I was not taught any of what I was learning through watching YouTube clips on activity 4, the rainbow alphabet.
Can you identify people in your life – your friends, family, or co-workers – who are particularly passionate about this issue, regardless of their opinion? Where do you think that passion comes from?
I do not have any family or friends who are passionate about this. I have a sister girl who is my sister’s son but likes to be called Tamara. Tamara finds it hard to talk about being gay or advocate for others on the Island in Northeast Arnhem land. They are like me, an oppressed Indigenous group. On the Tiwi Islands, they had many suicides and depression. They also don’t have a safe place to go to. There are no services for this particular area.
Is there an artist you can identify who’s done an excellent job at being particularly inclusive? Can you identify an artist who’s made a mistake around PC language and has then sought to correct it? How do you feel about this?
Not sure about this, but I would say I like Lady Gaga. She represents all people and the way that she dresses and presents herself, and sings talks about inclusiveness.
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