Language is Fundamental

As Brene Brown says: “Dehumanization always begins with language.” For this reason, we are having some critically important conversations about the words we use these days. As a society, the racial reckoning that we are engaged also invites us to recognize the white supremacist and dehumanizing roots of some aspects of our language. Sometimes words and phrases carry a legacy of dehumanization that we might not be aware of. For example: ‘woo-woo,’ ‘peanut gallery,’ ‘grandfathered,’ ‘uppity,’ ‘hysterical,’ etc. More explicitly, many political leaders have normalized calling people names and stereotyping groups of people. It’s not OK to dismiss others or disregard their experiences through our words. A commitment to anti-racism means being committed to ongoing reflection around how language can devalue some and privilege others. The history of language reminds us that language evolves. Words change over time as our awareness shifts and what we value changes. Words matter. Words are also inherently imperfect. In some way, words will always be inadequate and will always be partial estimates of what we value, think, and feel. So, it’s OK to make mistakes with words, but it’s not OK to give up on language. (When we do make a mistake, apologize and move on) Let’s be learners together who cultivate deep curiosity about what the best, most accurate, and most respectful language is. If you don’t know, ask. We do this not because we are afraid of offending, or don’t want to be called out, or because we want to be polite, but because language is one of the fundamental ways we show that we care and we honor the infinite worth of others. Weekend Wisdom is a weekly sharing from Copper Beech Institute’s founder, Dr. Brandon Nappi.