POLITICAL INCORRECTNESS IN THE MOVIE “THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION” – A CONVERSATIONAL ANALYSIS PERSPECTIVE
Authors:   1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia, Romania, Bărbuleț Gabriel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

“The Shawshank Redemption” is a classic film that has been enjoyed by audiences around the globe for decades. However, the film’s use of politically incorrect language has been a contentious issue, and the potential impact of such language on viewers must be examined. The purpose of this study is to conduct a conversational analysis of the language used in “The Shawshank Redemption” from the perspective of political correctness to identify instances of political incorrectness and evaluate their prospective impact on viewers.
This study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of the language used in “The Shawshank Redemption” from the perspective of political correctness. To achieve this aim, the study has set out several objectives. Firstly, the study seeks to identify instances of political insensitivity in the film through a conversational analysis of its language. By conducting this analysis, the study aims to shed light on the specific language choices used in the film that may be considered politically incorrect. Secondly, the study aims to investigate the potential impact of politically incorrect language on audience perceptions of the film. By doing so, the study seeks to understand the extent to which the use of such language may have influenced viewers’ opinions of the movie. Thirdly, the study aims to investigate the reasons behind the use of politically incorrect language in the film and whether it has been employed for comedic or dramatic effect. By understanding the motivations behind the use of such language, the study aims to contextualise its use and assess whether it was necessary or appropriate in the film’s narrative. Fourthly, the study aims to investigate alternative language options that could have been employed in the film to avoid political insensitivity. By identifying these alternatives, the study aims to offer insight into how filmmakers can approach language use in their work more sensitively and respectfully. Fifthly, the study aims to determine whether the use of politically incorrect language diminishes or enhances the overall impact of the film’s message. By evaluating the film’s message in the context of its language use, the study aims to assess whether the use of such language ultimately supports or detracts from the film's intended themes and messages. Finally, the study aims to advise filmmakers on how to approach the use of politically incorrect language in their work in order to avoid negative audience reactions. By drawing on the findings of the study, the study aims to offer practical guidance to filmmakers on how to approach language use in their films in a way that is more sensitive to their audiences’ diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
As far as the methods and instruments of research are concerned, this study has used a qualitative conversational analysis research design to investigate the language used in “The Shawshank Redemption” from the perspective of political correctness. A coding system has been devised to identify politically incorrect language in the film, and a content analysis has been conducted to determine the potential impact of such language on viewers. The study has uncovered multiple instances of politically incorrect language in “The Shawshank Redemption,” such as the use of racial obscenities and sexist language. In addition, the study has determined that the use of politically incorrect language in the film was unnecessary for the development of the plot or the characters, and that alternative language choices could have been made to avoid political incorrectness. The use of politically incorrect language in “The Shawshank Redemption” diminished the film’s impact and message, according to the findings of the study. The use of politically incorrect language in movies can have a negative impact on viewers, and filmmakers should be mindful of the potential effects of such language on their audience. This study provides insight into the use of politically incorrect language in “The Shawshank Redemption” and its impact on viewers. It also offers recommendations for filmmakers on how to approach the use of politically incorrect language in their work. Ultimately, this study highlights the importance of sensitivity and respect in the use of language in movies, and the need for filmmakers to be mindful of the potential impact of their language choices on viewers.

Keywords: Political correctness; Pragmatics; Conversational analysis; Political incorrectness.