Date taught: 18 October 2023
6D – Political Correctness
Theme: What it means to be “Politically Correct” versus “Politically Incorrect” and the effect it can have on interpersonal relationships. Also discussing the evolution of such a movement from Political Correctness to “so-called” Woke-ism.
buzzword (n) – a word or expression that has become fashionable in a particular field and is being used a lot by the media; a word or phrase used by members of some in-group, having little or imprecise meaning but sounding impressive to outsiders
Example: Your work includes looking at unconscious bias, which has become something of a buzzword among managers and leaders.
political correctness (being PC) (adj) – careful to speak or behave in a way that is not offensive to minorities – in particular women, people of color or a particular race, or people who have physical or mental disabilities
dated (adj) – out-of-date or old-fashioned; things that seem old-fashioned, although they may once have been fashionable or modern.
Example: While the novel is in some ways dated, it still, today, feels radical.
left–leaning / right–leaning (n) – a feeling that makes you tend to prefer something or to believe in particular ideas, opinions, etc.
Example: a person with socialist leanings
stepping-stone (n) – one of a series of stones acting as footrests for crossing streams, marshes, etc; a circumstance that assists progress towards some goal
slavery abolished (v) [B2] – If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it.
slavery made illegal
woke (adj) – Someone who is woke is very aware of social and political unfairness.
conversation has shifted (v) – If someone’s opinion, a situation, or a policy shifts or is shifted, it changes slightly.
joke at the expense of others (phrase) – If someone laughs or makes a joke at your expense, they do it to make you seem foolish, or to belittle them inadvertently or indirectly
policing (v) [C2] – the actions of a person or group in authority in order to ensure fairness and legality in an area of public life
PC police (n) – (inf. usually derogatory) to make sure that a particular set of rules is obeyed; people who constantly worry about being excessively politically correct and will tell you off if you do not act the same way
NOTE:
It was around this time in popular culture that the terms “safe space”, and “snowflake” came into popularity.
every word is a landmine (metaphor)
social justice warrior (n) – (usually derogatory) a person who campaigns zealously and vociferously for causes associated with social justice
micro-aggression (n) [C2] – an indirect or subtle action or statement regarded as denigrating a minority group; indirect or subtle discrimination against a minority group
Example: Examples of microaggression include making assumptions about people’s abilities and preferences based on their race or gender.
intervention (n) – the act of intervening in a situation; A formal intervention is an occasion when friends or family tell someone who has a serious problem that they need to get help.
“You can’t say anything these days without someone getting offended.”
minstrel show (n) – also called minstrelsy, was an American form of theater developed in the early 19th century. The shows were performed by mostly white actors wearing blackface makeup for the purpose of comically portraying racial stereotypes of African Americans.
politicians in blackface (n) – (offensive) the practice of non-Black performers using burnt cork or theatrical makeup to portray a caricature of Black people on stage or in entertainment.
See: Yes, politicians wore blackface. It used to be all-American ‘fun.’ by The Washington Post
See: When Politicians Are Caught Wearing Blackface by Brut.
“the past coming back to haunt them” (metaphorical phrase)
ousted (v) – to force someone to leave a position of power or responsibility; to cause or force (someone or something) to leave a position of power, a competition, etc.
public apology (n) – when a public figure has done something shameful and wants to maintain a good public image, they will often make a public apology by way of a public statement being issued via television interview, written statement submitted to the press via publisher or manager, or some other similar formal avenue
Example: He has made a public apology expressing his regret of the whole incident.
See: The Art of the Public Apology by The Conversation
the public will call for something (ph.v) [B2] – to publicly ask for something to happen
public outcry (n) [C2] – (at/over/against something) a reaction of anger or strong protest shown by people in public
abuzz (adj) – If someone says that a place is abuzz with rumours or plans, they mean that everyone there is excited about them.
NAACP (n) – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is a civil rights organization in the United States, formed in 1909 as an interracial endeavor to advance justice for African Americans by a group including W. E. B. Du Bois, Mary White Ovington, Moorfield Storey, and Ida B. Wells.
issue a public statement (n) – a short speech that is similar to an op ed in a newspaper. When you make a public statement, you will have two key goals: to be highly persuasive, and to draw the audience into your cause.
egg on your face (idiom) – (inf.) embarrassment due to an obvious blunder; humiliation or embarrassment resulting from having said or done something foolish or unwise; To have a tarnished image because of something one has done.
Example: However, get it wrong, and you may end up with egg on your face.
presumption (n) [C2] – something that is thought to be true or likely; something that is accepted as true but is not certain to be true.
none too pleased (idiom) – very angry or unhappy
Example: My father was none too pleased when he found out that my brother had wrecked the car.
face the music (phrase) – If you face the music, you put yourself in a position where you will be criticized or punished for something you have done.
Example: Sooner or later, I’m going to have to face the music.
concede (v) [C1] – to admit that something is true, logical, etc. after first denying it or resisting it
Example: I had to concede the logic of this.
own up (ph.v) – (to something/to doing something) to admit that you are responsible for something bad or wrong
skeleton in the closet (idiom) – something shocking, embarrassing, etc. that has happened to you or your family in the past that you want to keep secret
Example: They were hoping to find some skeletons in his closet.
in poor taste (idiom) [C2] – to be offensive and not at all appropriate
Example: Most of his jokes were in very poor taste.
wrongdoing (n) – illegal or dishonest behaviour
for you to look good when at your workplace vs. to be good-looking
offended for other people or on behalf of other people
(see: Social Justic Warrior)
bias / (pl.) biases – a tendency to prefer one person or thing to another, and to favour that person or thing; mental tendency or inclination, esp an irrational preference or prejudice; a particular tendency or inclination, esp. one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice
Examples of offensive phrases often used without knowing the offensive origin:
“geri-rigged / jury-rigged” – to make or build something with whatever materials are available, especially for temporary use
“gypped or gyp” – an act of charging too much money for something
(See more here: 11 Common English Words And Phrases With Racist Origins)
certain demographic (n) [C1] – data relating to the population and different groups within it (relating to statistics); a section of the population who are of a similar age, the same sex, etc.
denote (v) – to represent or be a sign of something; to show, mark, or be a sign of (something)
Examples: Her death denoted the end of an era.
The flashing lights denote dangerous roads ahead.
What does the word ‘curriculum’ denote that ‘course’ does not?
couch something in/as something (phrase) – to be expressed in a particular way; SYN: framed
Example: Some people couched the issue as a matter of religious freedom.
co-opted (v) – to use someone else’s ideas; to include someone in something, often against their will
Example: Rock and roll music was largely co-opted from the blues.
on the same page (idiom) – to understand and agree, having the same ideas as someone else; agreeing about something (such as how things should be done)
Example: Everyone in the office has to be on the same page about what our top priorities are.
head-scratcher (n) – something that is confusing, mysterious, or hard to understand
IT MUST BE NOTED:
The final takeaway or conclusion that the teacher wanted to focus on was that when you are learning about other cultures, you must accept that there will be deep cultural hurts in their history that you cannot begin to comprehend as someone from outside of this history. The teacher brought up examples that Americans would not be able to comprehend about the student’s own culture.
One such example being European-Americans or White Americans themselves cannot begin to comprehend the historical wound that has been inflicted upon the African-American community and culture in America.
inclusion (n) [C1] – to make (someone or something) a part of something; the act of including someone or something as part of a group, list, etc., or a person or thing that is included
equality, diversity and inclusion (n) – the idea that all people should have equal rights and treatment and be welcomed and included, so that they do not experience any disadvantage because of belonging to a particular group, and that each person should be given the same opportunities as others according to their needs
Video Listenings:
Additional Resources:
Attribution: Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
English With Dixie 