There is a difference between normal language evolution and forced changes as a tactic in the post-modern power struggle game. These are usually signaled by the fact they are strongly advocated by a small minority of activists, often not even of the group affected. They are at best generally used to signal allegiance to a certain in-group and “other” less enlightened people. Examples are the term “Latinx” which most Hispanic people dislike. Attempts to rename the homeless a “unhoused” or “people experiencing homelessness” are also noted.
There is a difference between normal language evolution and forced changes as a tactic in the post-modern power struggle game. These are usually signaled by the fact they are strongly advocated by a small minority of activists, often not even of the group affected. They are at best generally used to signal allegiance to a certain in-group and “other” less enlightened people. Examples are the term “Latinx” which most Hispanic people dislike. Attempts to rename the homeless a “unhoused” or “people experiencing homelessness” are also noted.
My contention is that this model of the process is basically just wrong for the examples of minority group labels that have actually caught on.
This doesn’t apply to more central cases like “gay” and “Black”.