problematic

Definition

Containing or implying offensive, insensitive, or morally questionable elements; often used by social critics to flag language, behavior, or media that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or attitudes. A common descriptor in social justice discourse.

Example Usage

The film's portrayal of Indigenous people is widely considered problematic by modern standards.

Origin

Academic and social justice terminology from the 1990s-2000s, popularized online from the 2010s onward.

Fun Fact

The term became so ubiquitous in online discourse that it spawned counter-critiques about its overuse and vagueness.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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