Guidelines for Bias-Free Writing

I've used this book and found it helpful in choosing terminology that is respectful of all people yet still conveys accurate information (in fact, intentionally respectful language typically conveys *more* accurate information than the conventional terms it replaces--a prime example being "retard," which, to my amazement, I still see and hear). I would suggest ignoring the reader reviews that seem driven by a knee-jerk response against the supposed scourge of "political correctness." Part of what I value in freedom of speech is the freedom to be both respectful and accurate in the way I write, and this book is a useful tool in that effort.

I read every journalism reference book I can get my hands on and this one is terrific. It offers excellent advice on how to use words when dealing with topics such as race, gender and ethnicity, and it does so in an easy-to-use dictionary format. My only complaint: It differs slightly from the most recent AP guide on some word usage. But this is definitely one reference tool I wouldn't want to be without.