How sexist, racist, and homophobic language creates a barrier to communication - Essay Example

How Sexist, Racist, and Homophobic Language Creates a Barrier to Communication. Language use is a very important aspect in communication. The choice of words that an individual uses influences the effectiveness of the communication process. Prejudices based on sexual orientation, gender and race are prevalent in the 21st society. Therefore, to some extent they create an environment where individuals develop preconceptions before they can listen what the person has to say. Therefore, communication barrier arises from the use of sexist, racist, or homophobic language.

Sexists have a view that a given gender is superior over the other. In most instances, this form of discrimination targets the women. However, the main culprits are the male chauvinists. In some circumstances, men have refused to listen to what women have to say or when they listen; their minds are already registered that they would not act on it. Therefore, either the person can be absent minded or can listen but immediately forget about what transpired. Communication can also be hampered by the realization that the listener is not keen.

Based on sexism, some men develop an attitude towards not only towards the message being delivered but also to the person delivering the message. On the other hand, stereotyping based on gender can make an individual develop communication biasness towards the other gender. For example, a woman who has labelled all men as cheaters will not be convinced to any man claiming that they have never cheated. Racism can also be a communication barrier. The perception that a particular race is knowledgeable that another will make a person disregard information from another person of a race that they demonstrate prejudice against.

The attitude formed is that the communicator is unable to deliver any important information. It is also possible that a racist will focus on the language use and fail to get the message. Racial disparities emanates from differential origins, therefore, the assents are different. Instead of listening to the person speak, a racially biased person will listen to the language use of the communicator. In addition, a person from a race labelled “inferior” may fail to capture what the other person is saying, they agree on anything that is said courtesy of inferiority complex.

For example, a local inhabitant of the Congo forest who knows some French will perceive that whatever the white man is saying is true hence failing to capture the message as it was delivered. Communication breakdown can also be contributed by the use of homophobic language. Homosexuals have attempted to air their views to the society, but some of their propositions have landed to deaf ears. Homosexuals will not listen to an individual who uses a language that is prejudiced against the homosexuals.

This is because they have a preconceived mentality of how they should be treated and communicated to. However, they will give an ear to a person who is not biased in their language even if they are not necessarily in support of homosexuality. Therefore, use of homophobic language wills greatly the conveyance of information to both homosexuals and heterosexuals. In conclusion, the choice of language that is adopted influences greatly how an individual listens and perceives the information delivered to them.

Sexists, homophobic and racial languages cause a major breakdown in communication because of the attitudes and the conceptions of both the listeners and the deliverer of the information.