‘When a language rule—which was created specifically to respect people’s agency and personhood—gets in the way of actually respecting the person in front of you, it’s time to ditch the rule.’
Such a brilliant and enlightening piece!
Language is a tool. It can make our worlds bigger or make them smaller. It can be used to create connection or to cause harm. It can affirm or it can disparage.
When it comes to how we describe marginalized aspects of ourselves or others—things that are perceived as “not normal” by the mainstream—language matters a whole lot, because how we talk or write about ourselves and each other can either affirm the value of diversity and difference, or demean people who are different from the idealized norm.
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Literary Lemonades 
Yes, language is organic and dynamic, but it should always be respectful to the folks in question. I think people tend to forget that sometimes because they worry about offending/triggering others… or about being seen as “unprogressive”. 😕 Thank you for the insightful read!
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I am glad you liked it. It was pretty intriguing for me too 🙂
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This is so true. Too many people are trying to make communicating too hard these days. Speak kindly and with respect, avoid offending people is the best we can hope for.
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I agree, Faux. We need to put common sense above rules when it comes to communication!
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Very much so.
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Respect, kindness. And being mindful of others is an important part of communication.
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I agree, Drew. It saddens me just how quickly common sense is eroding out of communication these days!
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Me too
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🙂 🙂
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That’s a great piece for a serous discussion!! 🙂
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It sure is! 🙂
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Words have immense power. We should think before we speak. I take it as simple as that. Respecting others comes along with and that’s why we must choose the correct language.
Thanks for sharing the article. 🙂
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This article intrigued me as well. I am so glad we agree 🙂
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Have to agree with everybody here. We seem to think less and speak more these days creating a ruckus with our words. Being respectful is utmost.
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I agree 🙂
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Excellent article. It’s a complex area of language but perhaps made easier if we use person-centered language. My daughter likes to call herself neurodivergent.
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Yes this article was very intriguing and engrossing for me as well!
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Thank you for enlightening us. I so agree. In the name of language we discriminate people. Both your AIDS example, calling victims instead of patient and disabled people vs people with disabilities are well received. A amazing read. Love the research you do 😊🌸
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Thanks Shantanu, but the credit goes to the writer. I merely reblogged it 🙂
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It was a great read 😊
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I am so glad you liked it. I found it particularly engrossing as well 🙂
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It sure was 🌸🌸
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