LANGUAGE MATTERS
So let’s talk about language…
Words MEAN things. And this time has made all of us realize how important it is to speak clearly and specifically about so many topics that we might’ve used euphemisms for in the past. I’m sure you have lots of questions regarding how to properly address certain things. So here’s a quick list of FAQ’s with answers that really helped me and hopefully will help you too.
”What is the proper term for your community, Ashley?”
I’ve addressed this before but please call us Black people. With a capital “B”. The term “African-American” has long been viewed by white people as the politically correct way to address us but most of the people I know just prefer Black. Some Black people in America trace their immediate family lineage to other places — my brother-in-law, for instance, is Guyanese and Panamanian. So, technically, he would classify as Guyanese & Panamanian-American. There’s a whole diaspora of people from countries all over the world that consider themselves Black.
”What does ‘whitewashing’ mean?”
Whitewashing can mean a plethora of things. But in a nutshell, it’s changing things so that they’re more palatable and normally, more favorable for white people. I recently reposted a meme on IG that completely floored me. It explained how history has whitewashed the terms used to describe slavery and it’s pillars. For instance, the word “slaves” should really be changed to “hostages”, “slave owners” should be changed to “human traffickers”, “plantations” could be called “death camps”. Does that help paint the picture for you? It should be evident to everyone that the history books we read in school completely whitewashed our history and I hope you’re taking time to learn the REAL history of this country — with all it’s ugliness and gore.
”How do I classify ‘everything that’s going on right now’?”
You call it a civil rights movement. Because it is.
”What’s wrong with using the terms ‘minorities’ or ‘non-white’ when referring to Black people or people of color?”
It centers white people and puts them on the proverbial pedestal. Call people what they ARE, instead of what they AREN’T. ((I can’t take credit for this, also read this somewhere on IG.))
”So what exactly does cultural appropriation mean?" I thought I was just showing my support for other cultures.”
Cultural appropriation is defined as “a modern type of colonization that involves the appropriation and sometimes, commercialization of cultural practices, spiritual traditions, hair and fashion styles, speaking styles and other cultural elements.” Basically, it’s that sombrero you wear on Cinco de Mayo, the “black sounding” phrases you use in common conversation, the “oriental” style clothing you purchase from fast-fashion retailers — to me, it feels like watching a white person do/wear/ say something from another culture in a playful (and sometimes, mocking) way that doesn’t credit that culture in a respectful way. Honestly, this is a very nuanced topic that probably deserves a full post (and more detailed research on my part) but hopefully this gives you an idea of what it means and why you shouldn’t be doing it.
Again, friends, my point is that WORDS MEAN THINGS. Language is important and the way you speak about these topics should be respectful, accurate and devoid of euphemism, and most importantly, culturally sensitive. Let’s change our language and help change other’s minds.
