I recently obtained a list of words that a certain company is demanding their employees cannot use, or they will be subject to dismissal. The list was passed on to me after the confidential informant attended a diversity training seminar she was told she must attend.
One of the targets of these diversity training programs is the “old white man.” In their view we are ignorant and racist. We are the reason minorities have not excelled as they should in America. To them we are evil and should be banished from power and authority.
AS AN ASIDE it is amazes me that these diversity experts condemn the old white man, but their preferred political candidate for president is an octogenarian that embodies everything they preach against. Are we preaching out of both sides of our mouth?
Anyway, here’s the words this corporation will not allow their employees to say:
BLESSED- Religious language should only be used as it relates to your personal experience and AVOIDED in general statements.
CAKEWALK- Cakewalks originated with enslavers on plantations.
CRAZY, NUTS, INSANE, PSYCHO- These are offensive to those with mental illnesses.
DOING THE LORD’S WORK- We cannot assume that those we converse with are Christian, therefore such phrase may be offensive to Muslims, Jews etc..
DRINKING THE KOOL-AID- This phrase comes from the Jonestown massacre where hundreds of cult followers drank spiked Kool-Aid and died. Because of that this term is derogatory towards those that survived.
DUMMY- This term originated for those that couldn’t speak and therefore is derogatory towards the speech impaired.
HANDICAP- A handicap is a barrier thus makes success difficult to achieve. The proper term is disability which is the result of a medically definable condition that limits a person’s movement. AS AN ASIDE- can you imagine the cost to change all handicap signs?
HE/SHE- Avoid specific pronouns because they might not reflect the person’s true gender identity.
HOLD DOWN THE FORT- Originated from settlers who protected their fort against Native Americans, therefore derogatory to Native Americans.
HOOLIGAN- Considered an ethnic slur back in Victorian England days against the Irish.
INDIAN GIVER- Depicts Native Americans as deceitful. Also refers to settler times, when Indians gave their land to settlers, when it was actually stolen and now want it back.
LONG TIME NO SEE- This phrase originated in the late 1800’s to mock the speech of minorities.
LOW MAN ON THE TOTEM POLE- Culturally demeaning to indigenous sacred art and culture.
MASTER BEDROOM- This is an oppressive metaphor that is unwelcoming and harmful language due to its slavery connotation.
NITTY GRITTY- Origins are from European slave trade days.
NO CAN DO- This phrase became popular in the 18th Century as a way to ridicule Chinese immigrants and the way they spoke.
PRAY FOR RAIN OR SNOW- Religious statements should be avoided in personal statements.
TRIBE- This word is often used in the outdoor industry as a group of people, or a team, but it is culturally in appropriate.
TRIGGERED- Using this word trivializes mental illness.
This is only a portion of the words and phrases this particular company will not allow their employees to speak. Is it right? I hardly think so. The meanings of particular words or phrases that were used a hundred years ago have changed over time. What NO CAN DO, a phrase I use a lot, means now is nothing like its meaning 150 years ago.
Needless to say, I would flunk this seminar. Probably the first words out of my mouth would get me fired. I guess I am that culturally insensitive “old white man.” Shame on me.