Sensitivity to Diversity

The challenges of using language with sensitivity and respect for those of different cultures and communities are vast and ever-present. Just when you think you've learned all the appropriate, politically-correct terms, they change. Another trouble is using the appropriate terms in reference to a group...when the term isn't necessary. Maybe you referred to someone as African-American, which they are, but they're offended by your categorizing them by their race when race wasn't relevant. These situations are extremely delicate, so we must continue to question our speaking and our writing. Of course, we would expect the same respect reciprocated, so putting in the extra effort is simply the right thing to do.