AVReading Newsletter January-- The Story of Words
Because culture is so deeply embedded in language, it is often important that we spend a little time thinking very specifically about the words and phrases we choose to use, and under what circumstances. While some might bristle at the thought of adapting our language to accommodate the latest trends and thinking, I see it differently. For the change isn’t with our trends or thinking, but with a greater awareness of inequities that have always existed. Our goal isn’t to jump onto the next passing fad of buzz words or acceptable terminology, but rather to raise an awareness of language and how it can potentially perpetuate stereotypes or marginalize members of our community. The idea is that we work harder to avoid the “but I didn’t know” category of mistakes. And better yet, to help our students figure them out as well. Here is a case in point. Not too long ago, some typ...