How we say what we say has a profound effect on how it is interpreted by others. Particularly when referring to members of groups who are marginalized in their communities or cultures, recognizing the power of language is an important role of advocacy. This applies to how we talk about individuals, communities, and actions.

Remember the examples exist, they may be helpful when you come to the Op-Ed Assignment in a future unit. 

1. Read this short collection of articles

• Perkins, Misty. (2016, October, 21). Protectors not protestors: Indigenous voice lost in translation by colonialism. Indian Country Media Network. Retrieved by: https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/news/opinions/protectors-not-protesters-indigenous-voice-lost-in-translation-by-colonialism/
• Lopez, German 2016. "Media coverage of protests sure looks different when demonstrators are white". Vox, January 4, 2016, https://www.vox.com/2016/1/3/10705610/oregon-terrorists-racism-race 
• Jeffries, Zenobia. (2016, July 27). How we report on structural racism can hurt us or heal us. Yes Magazine. Retrieved by: http://www.yesmagazine.org/peace-justice/how-we-report-on-structural-racism-can-hurt-us-or-heal-us-20160727

2. Then select an read at least one of the examples from the list at the bottom of this page

3. Consider these questions as you read:  

• What is the function of language in society?
• Based on these readings, discuss the importance of word-choice (rioters vs protestors). What other examples occur to you the embody the power of naming and how it constructs identity and social understanding of a person or their actions? 

Examples of talking about various marginalized communities:  

• Calma, Justine and Paola Rosa-Aquino, 2019. "The term ‘eco-terrorist’ is back and it’s killing climate activists" Grist, January 2, 2019. https://grist.org/article/the-term-eco-terrorist-is-back-and-its-killing-climate-activists/
• GLAAD, MAP (2012). "An Ally's Guide to Terminology: Talking about LGBT People and Equality"   http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/allys-guide-to-terminology_1.pdf 
• Human Rights Campaign (n.d). "HRC’s Brief Guide to Getting Transgender Coverage Right" https://www.hrc.org/resources/reporting-about-transgender-people-read-this

• Jain, Kalpana. 2019. "6 reporting tips for covering Islam in America." Journalist’s Resource, Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy, February 7, 2019. https://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/religion/six-tips-for-reporting-on-muslims-in-america/  

• Ordway, Denise-Marie. 2019. "10 tips for covering white supremacy and far-right extremists" Journalist’s Resource, Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy, July 22, 2019. https://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/white-supremacy-alt-right-wing-tips/

• Reichel, Chloe (October 12, 2018). "Covering the Latino immigrant community: Tips from Maria Hinojosa" Journalist’s Resource, Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy, October 12, 2018. https://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/reporting/maria-hinojosa-latino-mental-health/

• Reichel, Chloe. 2019. "4 key tips for reporting on and writing about people with disabilities." Journalist’s Resource, Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy, June 26, 2019. https://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/research/physical-mental-disability-journalism-tips/

• Silver, Marc, 2015. "If You Shouldn't Call It The Third World, What Should You Call It?" NPR, Goats and Soda, January 4, 2015, https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/01/04/372684438/if-you-shouldnt-call-it-the-third-world-what-should-you-call-it