Quote:Don't you dare use words such as "he, she, his, hers, him, etc.".

 

 

To kind of get back on topic, there seems to be more to this lunacy.

 

Here is an excerpt of the course syllabus from one class.

Quote: 

Gross generalizations, stereotypes, and derogatory/oppressive language are not acceptable.
Use of racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, classist, or generally offensive language in class or submission of such material will not be tolerated. (This includes “The Man,” “Colored People,” “Illegals/Illegal Aliens,” “Tranny” and so on - or referring to women/men as females or males
) If I see it or hear it, I will correct it in class since it can be a learning moment for many students. Repeated use of oppressive and hateful language will be handled accordingly
– including but not limited to removal from the class without attendance or participation points, failure of the assignment, and - in extreme cases - failure for the semester.

 

First I'll address the part that I highlighted in red.  Since when is referring women/men as females or males considered "oppressive and hateful"?  Is it a "gross generalization?  Is it derogatory/oppressive language?

 

Next, let's look at the part in bold and see how it relates to the examples given.

 

"The Man" - This is a term used to refer to someone in a position of authority, in most cases a police officer, prison guard, etc.  Does it fit any of the description in bold?

 

"Colored People" - This is how black people were generally referred to prior to the civil right's movement.  It might have actually been the "PC" term during that time as use of the "n word" was also very common.  Is the term "racist" or "generally offensive"?  I would say so in today's society depending on the context.  Should the term be banned from a learning environment?  I would say no, again depending on the context.

 

'Illegals/Illegal Aliens" - This is an appropriate term to refer to people in this country illegally.  I would say that it borderline could be considered racist since it commonly refers to those of a Hispanic race.

 

"Tranny" - This is a derogatory term used to describe a transvestite.  This would be the only phrase or term that I would say should not be used.

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