Prejudice Language

The media today is one of the most powerful tools used to reach people all over the world. Whether it is television, radio, internet, or movies, people are influenced in some way by the industries behind the scenes of media. This powerful tool is used to portray many different subjects, including racial differences, class distinctions, and gender roles through language that filters through the young minds of today’s generation.

An example of how different races are portrayed in today’s movies is the use of language between these groups. Any gangster related movie will, without a doubt, have the words “nigga” or “bro” or even “bitch” in it. These are among many words used to label each person and what their role in the movie is. Language is used as an organizing tool for characters and watching these movies, relating to them as young people, makes us believe that we are those labels, that we should play those roles assigned to us. Another tool in which this exact type of language is used is music. It is obvious when listening to rap, exactly how the audience will react, but even country music has its specific language. Yes, this language is used to relate to a specific type of people, a kid from the hood, a country girl, a homosexual, etc. the problem is that with the language comes a specific type of person, that the listener will feel the need to copy.

Recently we read a chapter on English and how it is being transformed and changed throughout the world. It is becoming a new global language and slang is being accepted, dialects are forming, and technology is helping this process along. A child who watches a movie, a cartoon, or even listens to a song, will absorb everything it offers like a sponge, including the language. For this reason, all language, specifically prejudice language has been more prevalent in every-day speech. Way back when television, radio, and media were not present in society, language was simply taught in school and spoken a certain way locally. Prejudice language was still present but was controlled, by family and school, church, and even close communities. Racism has always been present, but media has become a tool to further expand racism by setting an example of gender roles, racial stereotypes, and classes. These set examples have fueled the actions of racism today, one of which is language, others including hate crimes.

It is important, given the role that media has in our lives today, that we pay attention to the language use that influence our image of gender, race, and class. We must critically analyze this influence among our friends and family and make the right changes necessary to keep the evil influence that fuels our natural prejudice against those who do not look or sound like us. It is key to be educated on the forms in which prejudice language comes forth and make the right decision in censoring ourselves and others to this media.