...then just ignore it and do whatever you think is more important. Don't fight against inclusive language, inclusivity, and cultural appropriation because not only is that a very fucking bad look but it creates spaces where reactionaries can start to pull the left apart.

Also, all feelings are valid. If you post something that upsets someone because of the language that you use, they are not overreacting. Even if you don't exactly understand why they're upset, you should still extend some basic empathy to them.

This isn't really directed at anyone or at anything I saw, but I feel like it bears repeating in any left space.

I hope everyone is having a lovely December, love you all.

  • penguin_von_doom [she/her]
    ·
    4 years ago

    I have seen people use language policing and being upset over language to literally bully people l, garner attention and create a messed up horrible environment on multiple occasions. You can support inclusive language and at the same time oppos me toxic language policing.

    Language in general is ultimately vague, weird and fuzzy and shouldn't be taken too seriously when possible. It is not this or that word and it's history that shape our worldviews and ideas and concepts, but it's the ideas and talking about them themselves.

    • CommieMisha [she/her,they/them]
      1·
      4 years ago

      Except language impact how you move through and perceive the world. Some language is used to enforce stereotypes or to other people, so understanding how language effects people and what we can do to build inclusivity is important.

      • volkvulture [none/use name]
        ·
        4 years ago

        language is forced upon the people who use it too, communists have to take the position of supplementing those who aren't quite at the same level of consciousness

        if we're writing people off before attempting to offer more inclusive & broad-based alternatives, then I think we are losing sight of what our critiques are supposed to accomplish

      • penguin_von_doom [she/her]
        ·
        4 years ago

        A language is used to reinforce stereotypes about other people only in the sense that if you want to communicate a stereotype, language is one of the ways you do that. What you're proposing sounds to me like a strong interpretation of Sapir-Whorf, which is something that modern linguistics does not support

        • CommieMisha [she/her,they/them]
          1·
          4 years ago

          The weak form of Sapir Wharf is though. And things like people first language or not using slurs helps. Especially if oppressive language is rooted every day vernacular, like using gay as an insult, or the r word to mean not intelligent.