Language and Racism

Abstract

The first article is a condensation of an essay and lesson plan focusing on racism in the English language. All language transmits and reinforces societal values. Through a discussion of color symbolism, politics and terminology, "loaded" words and the syndrome of "blaming the victim", this article shows how subtle--and not so subtle--racism pervades the English language. The second article addresses a recent proposal enacted by the American Library Association for aggressive action in the library profession to counteract racism and sexism. The final article reviews the work of best selling children's author, Judy Blume. Blume's books are "in" and supposedly "daring," but this article suggests that the author can be faulted in many ways such as in the lack of feminism, emphasis on competition, unquestioned sex roles, choice of middle class suburban settings, and limited treatment of ethnic and racial issues. (Author/AM)