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It’s no secret. We all have said things that we regret and we know were not okay in one way or another. As language changes, we tend to find new words and phrases, society makes them “trendy” and it becomes integrated into our vocabulary. Some antiquated terms that have been around for years though have problematic undertones. Most of this language does not contribute specifically to a better understanding, therefore it can be changed pretty easily. While this list is not exhaustive, here are five terms that you might use everyday and should think about changing.
Alright so I’m gonna start off with an easy one. The word “Retarded”, or abbreviated as “The R Word” is an antiquated term for Mental Retardation which is now called intellectual disabilities. When using the term to say that something is stupid, you are demeaning an entire group of people or making them seem less than. It is the same for saying that things are “gay”, find a new word. There are plenty of other ways to describe something that is annoying or frustrating. If you didn’t know before, you know now.
Let’s talking about a word commonly thrown out to mean “meeting” or “get together”. I’m talking about a “Pow Wow”. You might not think it’s offensive, but it is and it appropriates a part of indigenous culture that is sacred. You end up looking like this gif below:
Start using the word meeting, get together, or check-in. You and your coworker, Jim, meeting up for five minutes to talk about a deadline, is not a Pow Wow. Pow Wow's is an Indigenous ceremony that involves food, and traditions such as singing and dancing. Unless you are being invited to a native Pow Wow, then it's not. We should all stop using it, and encourage each other to change the language as well.
Using Mental Illnesses as a way to express your character or lifestyle is not okay, and should only be used to describe actual challenges that are faced by people affected. Organizing your desk to be productive is not you being OCD. You being upset does not necessarily mean that you are having a panic attack, again, unless you are and you know what a panic attack feels like. Do you catch my drift? They aren’t meant to be words that are dramatized ways to describe what you are feeling and it makes people that actually have challenges facing mental health, seem less legitimate. So let us reframe how we express ourselves and...
Break: Hopefully you are learning something but you also might feel overwhelmed about all these terms and feel guilt. This note is here to tell you that it is okay, and all you need to do is be better in the future and help encourage others to change their language too. You’re here to learn, and that means something. So with that, Let’s Continue!!!
Attention boys and girls, now let’s talk about Gendered Language! (Do you see what I did there?). Using gendered language can exclude a lot of people that do not identify within the binary, meaning man or woman. Using phrases such as “Hey all” can make people feel more at ease. If you have more questions about gender and identity, google the “Genderbread Person” and learn about that cookie. By using this type of language, you are reinforcing a binary culture and people may feel excluded.
This is one that is being spoken about more lately, but please use person of color (P.O.C), not “colored people” when talking about non-white folks. The term colored goes back to racist rhetoric that was used to demean and enforce segregation. Think back to old photos from the 60’s that showed segregated bathrooms, water fountains, waiting rooms and more. So by continuing to use this language, you are perpetuating the harm and othering that people of color have faced throughout their lives. History doesn't erase itself therefore...
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and learn more. If you feel as though any of this information is incorrect or phrased wrong please email mosaic@umbc.edu. This article was created by Lilly Keplinger, Mosaic Intern for Cultural Humility and Allyship Development. If you are interested in speaking further with her about topics relating to diversity and inclusion, whiteness and more, her email is np42375@umbc.edu.
