How does language policing create tension?

Language policing creates tension as it embodies the ongoing societal debates surrounding the principles of freedom of speech and the regulation of hate speech. This tension arises because language policing often seeks to define and limit what is acceptable to say, thereby intersecting with individual rights to express opinions freely. When certain words or phrases are deemed harmful or offensive, it can lead to conflict between those advocating for free expression and those calling for accountability in language use to prevent discrimination or harm. In this context, the policing of language can be seen as a societal attempt to balance the need for respectful communication with the fundamental right to speak freely, thus highlighting broader societal conflicts regarding these values. This dynamic reflects the complexity of navigating language as a tool that can both unite and divide people based on differing perspectives on expression and respect.