http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/10/the-history-class-dilemma/411601/
Perhaps this article really embodies the importance in the nuance of language. Language in detail has tremendous power, it can either acknowledge and respect history or reject it. While the difference of one word may not seem so influential, when we describe history, it comes to hold tremendous power. The article addresses the slaves that were forced to cross the Atlantic ocean in inhumane conditions, while being molested, starved out and crammed in minuscule areas with repulsive unhygienic conditions, only to be compelled to work for American colonizers under the frying blistering sun, thousands of miles away from home, as 'workers'. The use of the word workers to describe African slaves completely rejects this struggle and the truth of history. It corruptively hides the embarrassing and vulgar truth and manipulates history through language.
Yes... bias and prejudice can be very nuanced... The recent controversy over "refugees" being termed "economic migrants" makes this apparent as history is being written all around us. Are we to allow and honour different perspectives or legislate against them? I'm thinking of the laws that govern the workplace in an attempt to outlaw sexist or racist terminology. Is enforced political correctness the way to go? What about freedom of speech? Holocaust denial is a 'crime' for which you can be jailed. Blasphemy (or open unbelief) can get you ostracized or killed.
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