Racism and the English language

Words are probably the most powerful weapon that exists in society. A derogatory statement about a person can ruin their life, and the meaning of the words can be changed to fit any situation. One of the main reasons why racism has existed in this society is because language conveys reality and reflects it. If a society is inherently racist, it is natural that the language spoken reflects that racism. Moore and Churchill’s articles discuss how words are used to dehumanize certain ethnic groups by making them appear subhuman. By using language to make “others” seem less, society is justified in believing that these groups do not deserve the rights and privileges of the dominant culture. These articles and the other previous articles I have read convey that racism is a socially constructed idea and was created for the advancement of whites and the exclusion of other ethnicities.

Moore’s “Racism in the English Language” explores the way language influences Western thought from the very first moment the language is learned. The English language is peppered with racial stereotypes and slurs, even in words and phrases that seem harmless enough. He shows how these words are not harmless, but are used to inflict oppression and feelings of inferiority on anyone deemed “different” from American culture. Words like “nigger,” “kike,” and “chink” have been used to label African-Americans, Jews, and Asian-Americans, and while it’s politically incorrect to use these words, the words and their derogatory meanings have been singed. in the conscience of White America, some who see nothing wrong in saying these words. Even color names like “Black” and “White” have been used to promote racism. The color “black” means “dirty, desecrated” and beyond redemption”, while white is “pure, clean, full of innocence”. These words and their meanings have led to people internalizing these beliefs and suffering of delusions of grandeur or feelings of self-loathing.The author of this article feels that acknowledging that racism exists in language is the first step in admitting that racism still exists in this society and that people must make a conscious effort to use a language. Language that is not derogatory towards people based on ethnicity.

Similarly, Churchill’s “Crimes Against Humanity” makes a powerful thesis, stating that by disrespecting Native Americans by using native names, images, and symbols as team mascots, their place in society has been marginalized and degraded. . He states with exquisite sarcasm that if the practice of using Native American images and symbols as team mascots continues, there should be teams called the Galveston “Greasers” and the San Diego “Spics.” Since the use of native symbols for sports is not considered disrespectful by the mainstream culture, this same culture should use other ethnicities as symbols as it is all in the name of fun. Furthermore, he claims that the genocide and degradation of Native Americans is comparable to the Jewish Holocaust and that the United States should be charged with crimes against humanity. By reducing Native American experiences to mere stereotypes, white society has succeeded in making Native Americans “unreal” to other groups, who passively accept intolerant Native American views. In both articles, the message is that words are used to dominate and oppress anyone not born white in this country and keep the status quo in charge. American society loves to label people.

Everyone has to be labeled somehow: whores, dykes, and blacks. I have been labeled a delinquent teen mother, welfare recipient, and a scourge to society. For many years I believed in these labels and sank deeper and deeper into the hell called low self esteem until I went to college and found out that I was smart and worthy of respect. Some people are not as lucky as I am and still believe the labels that society has placed on them. Sometimes I wonder what American society would do if there were no labels. Strip away the pretensions, the feelings of superiority that come with having the “right” skin color and some people in this society would be lost. These types of people need to feel superior to other people in order to feel better. I hope the day labels are not needed is sooner rather than later.