Despite conservatives’ annoyance with the “politically correct police”’ the truth is without it, hate crimes based on race, sexuality, sexual identity, and physical ability, are likely to multiply without a check on the words we use about each other. In 2015, when it comes to discussing topics like these, it’s always wise to respect every individual’s right to choose the language that best describes them. In Toni Morrison’s words: “What I think the political correctness debate is really about is the power to be able to define. The definers want the power to name. And the defined are now taking that power away from them.” Language is a powerful, living thing and is always in flux, so here are some new (and not so old) rules on how to be politically correct.
