Hate speech cause real harm.

 

Discriminatory language includes words or phrases that demean, marginalize, or stereotype people based on characteristics like race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Examples range from using biased stereotypes (e.g., "women's work," "old people can't drive") to using outdated or hurtful terms (e.g., calling a person who uses a wheelchair "wheelchair-bound," or using slurs). Using person-first language, like "a person who uses a wheelchair" instead of "a wheelchair-bound person," is an example of how to be more inclusive.


Types of discriminatory language

Gender: Stereotyping or demeaning language related to gender, such as "she throws like a girl" or "men just don't understand".
Age: Assuming stereotypes about older workers, like using phrases such as "young and energetic" in a job ad, which can deter older candidates.Disability: Using terms that define a person by their disability, such as "mentally ill" or "wheelchair-bound." It is more respectful to use person-first language like "person living with a mental illness" or "person who uses a wheelchair".

Race and Ethnicity: Using derogatory language, racial slurs, jokes, or stereotypes that target a person's race or ethnicity.

Sexual Orientation: Using biased or negative language regarding sexual orientation.

National Origin: Discriminatory actions in the workplace based on a person's accent or language can be illegal if it's not directly related to job performance.

Examples of inclusive alternatives

Instead of: "Wheelchair-bound" or "confined to a wheelchair"
Use: "Person who uses a wheelchair" or "wheelchair user"
Instead of: "Mentally ill" or "crazy"
Use: "Person living with a mental illness" or "person with a mental health disorder"
Instead of: "The homeless"
Use: "People experiencing homelessness" or "people without housing"
Instead of: "Addict" or "alcoholic"
Use: "Person who uses drugs" or "person with substance use disorder"
Instead of: "Homely" (referring to a woman)
Use: "A person who is not physically attractive"

Why it's important to avoid?

Discriminatory language can have a significant impact on individuals by making them feel invisible, marginalized, or inferior.
It can shrink a candidate pool in a professional setting, leading to a loss of talent.
It can reinforce unconscious biases and stereotypes, leading to further prejudice and discrimination.
In the workplace, language discrimination can be illegal depending on the circumstances, especially if it is based on national origin.