BIAS IN LANGUAGE

Our language both mirrors and shapes the culture and beliefs in our society. Being more intentional about our choices of words will go a long way to make more of us feel included.

Here are some examples of words in English that unintentionally drive bias and, in some cases, are even rooted in a history of discrimination.

• Have you heard of young people described as Digital Natives?

• What about blacklisting something?

• Confined to a wheelchair?

• Mankind.

• An Actor is male; a female actor has to be an actress?

There are, of course, many more examples, and we will all occasionally and unintentionally misspeak. Raising our awareness of the unconscious bias in our language is the best way we can more consistently express inclusion for all.

[https://blog.ongig.com/diversity-and-inclusion/biased-language-examples/]

[https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_find_prejudice_hidden_in_our_words]