I’ve been thinking recently about the importance of language in our anti-racism efforts. You may have found yourself in a place of confusion, concern, frustration or just not knowing when it comes to language around anti-racism. You may also find yourself on the receiving end of racist language that is hidden in our everyday talk. This could leave you with the experience of ongoing subtle acts of exclusion; and wondering when we all will take responsibility for stopping the perpetuation of racism through the use of labels. I struggle with wanting to get it right, and keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of language. I’m reminded that this work is one of lifelong learning, and that includes evolving language. I’m noting for myself how critical language is and to ask us all to consider thinking of it more in terms of ongoing learning and application so that we continue to do better. 

“The foundation of any collective action, of any community, is language.  It influences how we feel, react, and understand. Thus, dismantling racism starts with analyzing the language we use—especially since it says much about how we see people.” -Tiffani Williams

As an example, I most recently read the blog post  ‘Underrepresented Minority' Considered Harmful, Racist Language  by Tiffani L. Williams, a teaching professor and director of onramp programs in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Tiffani provides three reasons why using the language “underrepresented minority” is harmful, racist language and provides alternatives. As Tiffani encouraged, I am committed to an ongoing, intentional practice of reframing my own language to use inclusive and non-racist language to see, embrace, respect and protect black, brown, and indigenous lives.

This also requires of us not only the willingness, but the expectation that we are going to need to continue to improve our language as we learn. Additionally this means systematically reviewing our documents, training and communication. I’m learning to hold more ambiguity in my world so that I can more effectively and quickly adjust when I learn how my language can be more inclusive and non-racist. 

Here are some additional resources that are worth investigating around language. I encourage us all to continue ongoing conversations about language in our anti-racism work to ensure we continue to analyze the language we use as central to dismantling racism. 

Resources Around Language:

*NOTE: We are not suggesting that any of the following are the end all be all, but rather are resources for your own research and consideration.

• DEI Style Guide CSU

• Pratt Inclusive Language Resources

• Northwestern Inclusive Language Guide

• OHSU Center for Diversity & Inclusion Inclusive Language Guide

• U-M Accessible and Inclusive Event Resource Guide 

• Anti-Racism Inclusive Language in Academia

• DeEtta Jones: The Inclusive Managers Toolkit 

• Bigoted Tropes, Slurs, Dog Whistles and Coded Language: 103 Examples of Using Words to Defend and Center the Dominant Narrative (curated by Jeff Witt, Organizational Development Lead, University of Michigan Library. *NOTE: this is not an academic research project but was developed to help prepare to respond to microaggressions and tropes in the moment)

• Inclusive Language Style Guides   

• The Diversity Style Guide

• Racial Equity Tools Glossary of Race Equity Terms

• Anti-Defamation League’s Hate Symbols Database

• 58 Logical Fallacies and Cognitive Biases

Published: August, 2021
Author: Angie Stewart
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Lead and Facilitator Engagement Program Manager
Organizational Learning