According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, we think via language. The words we use to talk regarding the world reinforce our attitudes and occasionally, our prejudices. Changing our language to remove offensive language, many argue, might change our attitudes as well. At the very least, becoming aware of the biases in language practices might make us more sensitive to the feelings of those who are the targets of these biases. Therefore, we try our best to avoid sexist and racist language by substituting new, more "politically correct" tradition
1) Do you think that language influences thought and behavior?
2) Does changing our language make an important change in the way we think and behave?
3) Have some efforts to be more politically sensitive gone too far?
4) We state, "Sticks and stones might break my bones, however words will never hurt me?" Can words hurt?