Racism in the English Language

¶ … Racism in the English Language by Robert B. Moore. Specifically, it will discuss what I found interesting in the reading and why. It will focus on the "wrap up" statements that language influences Western thought from the first moment we learn it. This is a distressing thought because it implies that we have little real choice in our attitudes and prejudices because they are ingrained in us almost from birth.

This idea seems to say that we have little choice in our attitudes, at least in the beginning, and it is a thought that bears much more study and understanding if we are to understand both our language and its sociological implications. In the "Wrap-Up," the author states, "Negative language infects the subconscious of most Western people from the time they first learn to speak. Prejudice is not merely imparted or superimposed. It is metabolized into the bloodstream of society" (Moore 474).

This statement is thought provoking because it makes the reader stand back and look at the subconscious ways language has affected our beliefs and ideas from the first time we could listen and speak. This is interesting and yet frightening at the same time.

If it is true, that language "colors" our vision subconsciously from the beginning of life, then it also seems to imply that we really have no chance of every overcoming prejudice and racial bias in Western society, for the thoughts are too ingrained and run too deep. No matter how much we try, there will still be inherent prejudices that are too big to overcome. This is an unsettling conclusion for a number of reasons.

First, it presupposes the English language we speak predetermines our reactions and our very life outlook. It also indicates that while we can be open to change and intellectual thought, that our language influences us so much that ultimately, some of our most important ideas are not based on this thought, but instead on prejudices that we begin to hear and subtly understand from birth. This disturbing idea seems to say that we, as English speakers, have little control over the racism inherent in our language.

However, the author does advocate understanding and recognition as ways to combat the inherent prejudices in our language. This at least gives hope for some kind of change or at least insight into the words we use and the hidden meanings they contain. If we can begin to change our own usage of the English language, removing the offensive words and phrases, then perhaps we can begin to change accepted usage of the language, too.

The author advocates changing our usage of the language, but that simply does not seem realistic. Does this mean removing any of the offensive words and phrases from our everyday speech and written communications? Perhaps, and certainly that is doable, but is it realistic or effective? I think not. Most people, if these ideas were presented to them, would probably scoff and say the linguists were reading far too much into the language. They would probably continue to use these common words and phrases without much thought or feeling.

Ultimately, increasing our own awareness of the language and its many racial nuances could eventually lead to an overhaul of the language, making it more equitable and effective for all the races. This is quite interesting to me because I really did not think about these racial overtones in the language, and having them pointed out was an eye-opening experience. Is it feasible to try to rethink how we use the language to help erase these words and phrases from the language? Perhaps.

Moreover, perhaps just recognizing they exist, and really thinking about the language, instead of simply using it every day, is one way to combat the racism that seems inherent in the English language. In conclusion, it becomes clear from reading this enlightening essay that the English language is peppered with racial stereotypes and slurs, even in words and phrases that seem quite harmless. The question remains.

Is this intentional? Were many English words and phrases created with subtle references to black as "bad" and white as "good" intentionally, or are they simply a result of a long-term repressed and unconscious thoughts and feelings about the races? Indeed, the author contends this is the case, and that these words and phrases actually continue to contribute to these unconscious thoughts and feelings. Perhaps we will never know, but reading this essay makes the question more compelling and the answer even more nebulous.

Briefly, the article is about many instances in the English language that encourage and give credence to racial prejudice, stereotypes, and victimization. The essay uses many "colorful" and even amusing examples of words that carry prejudicial meanings. These are everyday words that most people would not even think twice about using, and yet, as the author digs deeper, it seems they have many unspoken overtones that many of us simply take for granted.

While many of the examples seem as if they could be unconscious, it is quite clear that the English language was created by and for the white race, and that other races suffer, from those in third-world emerging countries to Native Americans and Blacks. Our language paints a very "white" picture of the world, with words such as "fair" and "pure" signifying white and therefore "good" implications, while many other words, such as "dusty" and "dark" signify black and therefore "bad" implications.

Of course, there are those that would say too much is being read into these words, and that people are being far too sensitive about words and are implying meanings that may never have been intended. However, after reading the article, it seems that is not the case. The article clearly shows how the English language contains many hidden and not so hidden references to racial differences and divides.

The article made me stop and think more about words - not just the blatant words of racism that we recognize, but the underlying meanings of many other words that seem so innocent and innocuous on the outside. It seems.