Why we should stop using these words, for a new normal
Our western language is drenched with colonial history. It is time to decolonize the language used in Western society.
I am aware that I am not the first one writing this, and hopeful that I am not the last one.
Let me introduce two words to you that you should delete from your vocabulary.
Empowering marginalized people
In the context of “empowering marginalized people”. The problem with the word empower is that it literally means: “giving someone the authority or power to do something”.
Eventhough you might use it with good intentions. Think about it twice. Inherently this word indicates that the people you are talking about do not have any power. But it is actually really strange that we say this, right? Using this word creates an unequal relationship between people.
The use of this word, in relation to marginalized people, also suggests a white savior complex. If you want to know more about the white savior complex I recommend you to watch this TEDx Talks of Kayley Gould, and read this article by Janine Guarino.
Another word for you to delete from your vocabulary is
Minority
When you refer to a group as a minority group you inheritly contribute to white supremacy. By using this word you point out that these groups, often Black people, Latinos or Muslims, are less in comparison to white people, because you describe them as the minority. The word minority subconsciously, often directly triggers a link to a shortage of social or political power. You can find more information on why we should delete this word out of our vocabulary in this inisghtful piece written by Dr. Danique Dolly.
Dr. Danique Dolly says that: “When we call Black and Brown people “minor” in the context of major problems, we subconsciously give permission to treat those problems with less energy (or no energy at all).”
As an alternative, you can call the group by their ethnicity. But remember, and I am specifically saying this to my fellow white folks: acknowledge that a white ethnicity is also a group.
