Language is a major vehicle for the expression of prejudice or discrimination. In many contexts it is quite unnecessary to mention a person's sex, race, ethnic background or disability. Yet for members of minority groups these characteristics are often mentioned. This type of gratuitous specification may result in overemphasis on a particular characteristic, thus creating the impression that the person referred to is somehow an oddity. Stereotyping A stereotype is a generalised and relatively fixed image of a person or persons belonging to a particular group.
Stereotypes are discriminatory in that they take away a person's individuality.
Although they may reflect elements of truth, these are usually misinterpreted or inaccurate owing to oversimplification. The status of minority groups in society is often adversely influenced by prevailing stereotypes of them. Derogatory labelling The discriminatory nature of derogatory labels used to describe members of minority groups is often obvious. However, derogatory labels are still commonly used, and must be avoided. A characteristic often shared by minority groups is their lack of power to define themselves.