NOVEMBER 2024

From the World of Conscious Language

Note: The authors' viewpoints are not necessarily shared by CSG.

JOURNALISM

Panelists Outline the Importance of Covering Alcohol Like Other Drugs

At an Association of Health Care Journalists’ summit, panelists “highlighted the need for journalists to cover alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder the way they’ve covered the opioid crisis.” Read >

AGE

Asking Eric: Is Calling Our Senior Engagement “Cute” Ageism?

“I realize that people are happy for us and that the marriage of two people past 70 is unexpected and startling in a pleasant way. But cute? Would anyone call an impending marriage of two 35-year-olds cute?” Read >

HEALTH

The Inadequate Language of Pregnancy Loss

“A loss before 20 weeks is called ‘a spontaneous abortion.’ Someone who has recurrent miscarriages is known in the medical world as a ‘habitual aborter.’ This language fails people across the political spectrum.” Read >

EMPOWERMENT

A Simple Exercise to Help You Check Your Biases

“A simple way to practice individuation within team contexts is by using three key words: ‘tell me more.’ This phrase instills and encourages a nonjudgmental curiosity, especially in instances where there may be a disagreement.” Read >

CLIMATE + ENVIRONMENT

How Language Barriers Influence Global Climate Literacy

“English, often called a global language, is only spoken by a minority of the world’s population.” Read >

PLAIN LANGUAGE

WSHA Leads Statewide Campaign to Standardize Plain Language Hospital Emergency Code Calls

“The newly standardized language utilizes plain language to announce most emergency codes rather than cryptic ‘color’ codes, making it easier for staff, patients and visitors to understand emergent situations in hospitals.” Read >

GENDER, SEX + SEXUALITY

From Challengers to Bridgerton, Bisexuals Are Often Stereotypes on Screen. Some Shows Flip the Script

“Shows aimed at gen Z audiences, including Heartstopper, are getting bisexual representation right…[The character’s] sexuality isn’t there to tick a box—it’s part of a fully developed character who reflects the multifaceted experiences of being a bisexual person in the world.” Read >

JOURNALISM

How to Cover Political Violence and Threats Without Making It Worse

“Go easy on words that evoke violence, particularly in headlines and social media text. Dehumanizing language such as ‘enemies,’ ‘mobs’ and ‘war’ can be dangerous. This rhetoric, when used by pundits, political leaders and influential people, can encourage acts of violence and drive deeply inaccurate perceptions.” Read >

ABILITY + DISABILITY

What “High-Functioning Autism” Means (and Why You Shouldn’t Call It That)

“If you do need to talk about somebody’s functional abilities, precision is key. Describe, in detail, the activities they can do independently and the areas where they require additional support.” Read >

DESIGN + IMAGES

AARP Report: Ageist Stereotypes in Online Images Declining

An AARP study found that “in images used in online media and marketing, adults 50 and older are now more likely to be shown working out at the gym or on the pickleball court, using a smartphone or wearing the latest fashions than they were in 2018.” Read >

TECHNOLOGY

Flagged for Being Queer

“Reclaimed slurs, once used as insults, have been repurposed by the LGBTQ+ community as symbols of pride and empowerment. However, AI-powered content moderation systems are failing to grasp these nuances, often mistaking empowering language for offensive content and silencing the voices of those they aim to protect.” Read >

ETHNICITY, RACE + NATIONALITY

Think Immigration: From “Alien” to “Noncitizen”: The Subtle Power of Language in U.S. Appellate Courts

In an analysis of the language used in immigration cases in lower courts, “the term ‘noncitizen’ was associated with more favorable outcomes for immigrants.” Read >

DESIGN + IMAGES

Online Images Speak Louder Than Words When It Comes to Gender Stereotypes

“It is easier to avoid gender bias in language…When it comes to images, it’s almost impossible not to associate a gender with a person doing a particular job.” Read >

EMPOWERMENT

How to Be a Boss at Giving Performance Reviews

“By being intentional about giving feedback, managers can create environments where employees feel respected, valued and motivated to succeed.” Read >

From the Archives

Calibrating Terminology

Accepting the challenges inherent in understanding one another. Read >

In Case You Missed It

In the September/October 2024 newsletter…

• Heinz Accused of Promoting Racist Stereotypes, Blackface in New Ads
• How We Think About “Obesity” and Body Weight Is Changing. Here’s Why.
• Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” and the Persistent Jewish Stereotype

Read >

Holiday Gift Ideas

Other Resources

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