Political correctness in the English language

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Focusing on the evolution of political correctness in language, this seminar paper examines the impact of gender-focused linguistic reforms, particularly in the context of the 1980s in London. It highlights incidents, such as the ban on "manhole" by Hackney Council, as part of a broader debate on sexism in language. The essay critically analyzes whether terms like "policemen" are perceived as sexist and explores the effectiveness of replacing such terms with gender-neutral alternatives. It questions the success of these efforts and the possibility of achieving a truly non-sexist language.