Becoming a better racial ally through the power of inclusive language
DRIVE takes a closer look at the power of inclusive language and why it matters if we want to become a better racial ally.
Most of us don’t have any intention of excluding others, but inadvertently we sometimes can say something insensitive and can cause offence.
This can range from not taking the trouble to pronounce someone’s name correctly by asking them how it is said, to making sweeping remarks around ‘minorities’ when the majority of the world’s population is non-white people.
As a racial ally, learning how some words can be considered prejudiced or offensive to people who are marginalised based on their race, ethnicity or any other aspect of their identity is crucially important.
Our words have the potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and bias, and we make this choice every day without even realising it through our speech, writing and interaction with others.
Equally, intentional use of language can help to dismantle stereotypes and break down differences, creating a more inclusive culture.
This easy-to-follow guide shares examples of some dos and don’ts of racially and ethnically inclusive language.
While this list is by no means exhaustive or definitive, it aims to equip you with some useful insights into language, which can go a long way to showing the people around you that their voice, identity and experiences matter to you.
“Words have the power to reflect and shape how we view the world around us, so we must be intentional about how we use them”
But what if I get it wrong?
Despite our best intentions, we don’t always get it right when it comes to language. When you recognise that you have said something that may cause offence, first apologise, then learn from the mistake, and move on without getting defensive.
Showing that you aim to do better next time and that you won’t let the fear of appearing ignorant or uneducated stop you from trying reinforces your role as an ally.
The way in which language can inspire, oppress, empower or divide is what makes it so powerful.
What’s equally special is how it can make others feel heard, respected and honoured. In a world where racial and ethnic inequalities persist, embracing inclusive language can make all the difference to becoming a better ally.
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Sources
[1] AP changes writing style to capitalize ''b'' in Black | AP News
[2] b.a.m.e.-terminology-review-report.pdf (bbc.com)
[3] AP Stylebook updates race-related terms | ACES: The Society for Editing (aceseditors.org)
[4] When you say you 'don't see race', you’re ignoring racism, not helping to solve it | Zach Stafford | The Guardian
[5] ‘There Is Nothing Minor About Us’: Why Forbes Won’t Use The Term Minority To Classify Black And Brown People
