5 More Words to Banish

A few months ago, I wrote about how HOPE was changing its mission statement to replace the language we use to describe “the poor,” a phrase that stuck in my throat whenever I tried to use it.

Since adapting the mission statement, I’ve been thinking about other words and phrases that might unintentionally dishonor friends. Our language matters—and I’ve found that there are a few more words that I’d like to delete from my vocabulary.

Here are some words that I’m working to banish:

  1. “Third World” (as well as “First World” and “Second World”)
    Coined in 1952, these phrases were created within the context of the Cold War, when countries were characterized by the degree of their alignment with communism. (See this piece from NPR for more on the history of these phrases, as well as a great explanation of their shortcomings!)Based on the original intent alone, these categories are no longer relevant.Beyond that, though, these labels reek of perceived superiority and often accompany a patronizing approach to global issues.
  1. “Those people”
    When a sentence begins by referring to others as “those people,” my guess is that the rest is going to be derogatory. “If only those people would . . . ” or “Why don’t those people just . . .?” We do a great disservice to ourselves and others when we elevate ourselves and categorize the neighbors we’re called to love merely as “those people.”
  1. “I’m starving!”
    Children (and adults) in North America have been claiming starvation for years—especially around dinnertime. Yet most of the time, when we say, “I’m starving,” we are far from it.Several years ago, in Haiti, I met several mothers who were making bread with dirt and a pinch of flour, so that they had something to feed their children. After meeting people who truly were nearing starvation, I promised I would never callously use the word “starving” again.
  1. “Helpless” or “Hopeless”
    For far too long, we’ve underestimated the power of people, especially those living in poverty. When we refer to a person as helpless, we reinforce some notion that they are incapable of putting forth effort and that they need someone else to intercede. Individuals have far more capacity than we might originally realize. (See What’s in your hands? or Watching Seeds Grow for evidence.)Similarly, when we refer to a “hopeless situation,” we forget that we serve a God of hope—that 4th-quarter comebacks are possible on the field and in life.
  1. “It’s not fair.”
    Most often used regarding some great injustice—like your sister getting a larger ice cream cone or your friend getting a promotion—these words tempt us to forget the exorbitant privilege we enjoy. If you use the phrase, at least use it in the context of, “It’s not fair how many privileges I’ve been given simply because of where I was born.”

What else am I missing? Which words do you feel unintentionally miscommunicate and should be replaced?

1 Comment

  1. Kay Helm
    April 11, 2015

    Good list. I would add “God forsaken” There is no place where God is not at work. He said, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” We sometimes forget that Scripture applies to others, as well as to ourselves.

    Reply

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