Word Police Reflection — 3/4

             When talking about a sensitive or controversial topic, people tend to beat around the bush. They use language that makes them sound and appear less rude and insensitive. People want to promote a world that is free of racism, sexism, and hatred, which is nothing to be upset over. But the language they use when talking about hard topics, the euphemisms and politically correct language used minimize the seriousness and severity of an issue. When people use "nicer words," the real message is lost because it doesn't get translated properly to the audience. Using indirect language won't make problems disappear. In paragraph 25 of The Word Police, Michiko Kakutani asserts that, "Calling the homeless "the underhoused" doesn't give them a place to live; calling the poor "the economically marginalized" doesn't help them pay the bills." When people don't recognize the grave situation at hand, no solution or progress can be made. People may brush it off or turn the blind eye. If we want to advance our society and improve conditions, we should attack situations head-on and learn what we can do when tough circumstances are facing us.