Ambiguous Words: Politically Correct, Racist, Sexist, Identity Politics

Some ambiguous words appear to describe something concrete or socially agreed-upon and at the same time be expressions of emotion - of hate, of pain, of rage, of frustration, of disdains.  The two state do not have to exist at the same time, but when they do, there is little hope for a meaningful or peaceful outcome. 

More importantly, terms like Politically Correct, Racist, Sexist, Identity Politics have clear and commonly understood definition, and are so emotionally charged that any formal definition is overwhelmed by the emotional content.  It is likely that one person, using one of these terms ten time in ten different situations, means ten different things.  If this is so, the how can two people, using the same word, but meaning different things, come to a real agreement.

For this reason, they are not only useless in discussions which try to reach mutual understanding, but rather tend to inflame emotions and destroy any attempt at mutuality.

Mutuality may not be the best word.  This is about trying to find common ground, where people can live in peace, both socially and within their own souls.  This latter is important, because just because we are not killing each other, can we truly say that there is peace, if in their hearts people are not at peace.