For those who don't think language matters...
(stolen from the stunning and ever-wise Valorion
In a recent NYP poll inquiring into individuals view's toward repealing DADT, 70% of responders said they were in favor of allowing “gay men and lesbians” to serve in the military, including nearly 60% who said they should be allowed to serve openly. However, only 59% were in favor of letting homosexuals serve in the military, and only 44% thought homosexuals should be allowed to serve openly
What's that you say? Your brain is hemorrhaging? Let me get you some tissue and enough spirits to numb the pain. To all they naysayers, take note that, yes, language can - and does - affect the unconscious minds and actions of people. Words can easily become paired with feelings without you ever realizing it's happening, until it's too late and you find yourself being biased for reasons you can't explain. And if you're an average person, it's likely you'll never question this unjustified belief/bias, and people will be hurt by it.
And for those of you who think that only I care or think about the issue of negative language affecting perceptions...
ThinkB4YouSpeak.com
The rate at which students use and hear negative language about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people is huge. Over half of all students report hearing homophobic remarks often at school.
The common use of anti-LGBT language is directly related to an even bigger problem - the bullying and harassment of LGBT students.
According to the Ad Council, high recognition of the "Think Before You Speak" campaign among teens (41% of teens aged 13-16 nationwide reporting that they have seen or heard at least one PSA) has translated into significant shifts in key attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) slurs like "that's so gay." For instance, findings from a recent survey conducted by the Ad Council in 2008 and 2009 of teens aged 13-16 suggest that a higher percentage of teens in 2009 think that people should not say "that's so gay" for any reason (38% in 2009 vs. 28% in 2008) and a higher percentage also report "never" saying "that's so gay" when something is stupid or uncool (28% in 2009 vs. 18% in 2008).
Here are there PSA's that were created and supported by celebrities and parents to try and illustrated why calling things "gay" is wrong:
Hillary Duff and Wanda Sykes PSA about not calling things "gay"
Remember, all you have to do to make a difference is not use this kind of language, and encourage others to follow in your pawprints. ^.^
In a recent NYP poll inquiring into individuals view's toward repealing DADT, 70% of responders said they were in favor of allowing “gay men and lesbians” to serve in the military, including nearly 60% who said they should be allowed to serve openly. However, only 59% were in favor of letting homosexuals serve in the military, and only 44% thought homosexuals should be allowed to serve openly
What's that you say? Your brain is hemorrhaging? Let me get you some tissue and enough spirits to numb the pain. To all they naysayers, take note that, yes, language can - and does - affect the unconscious minds and actions of people. Words can easily become paired with feelings without you ever realizing it's happening, until it's too late and you find yourself being biased for reasons you can't explain. And if you're an average person, it's likely you'll never question this unjustified belief/bias, and people will be hurt by it.
And for those of you who think that only I care or think about the issue of negative language affecting perceptions...
ThinkB4YouSpeak.com
The rate at which students use and hear negative language about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people is huge. Over half of all students report hearing homophobic remarks often at school.
The common use of anti-LGBT language is directly related to an even bigger problem - the bullying and harassment of LGBT students.
According to the Ad Council, high recognition of the "Think Before You Speak" campaign among teens (41% of teens aged 13-16 nationwide reporting that they have seen or heard at least one PSA) has translated into significant shifts in key attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) slurs like "that's so gay." For instance, findings from a recent survey conducted by the Ad Council in 2008 and 2009 of teens aged 13-16 suggest that a higher percentage of teens in 2009 think that people should not say "that's so gay" for any reason (38% in 2009 vs. 28% in 2008) and a higher percentage also report "never" saying "that's so gay" when something is stupid or uncool (28% in 2009 vs. 18% in 2008).
Here are there PSA's that were created and supported by celebrities and parents to try and illustrated why calling things "gay" is wrong:
Hillary Duff and Wanda Sykes PSA about not calling things "gay"
Remember, all you have to do to make a difference is not use this kind of language, and encourage others to follow in your pawprints. ^.^