London Daily

Focus on the big picture.

0:00
0:00

The Stupidity Starts at University: Brandeis 'Potentially Oppressive Language' List Raises Eyebrows

A new rule of thumb at Brandeis University, is to rethink using the phrase "rule of thumb" and say something more like "as a general rule." It's part of an effort to educate students and staff about language, according to the school's Prevention, Advocacy and Resource Center.

That's according to list of "potentially oppressive language" collected by the school's Prevention, Advocacy and Resource Center and posted online recently. The list that's garnered national attention is part of mostly student-led anti-Blackness response program.

"The Oppressive Language List is a compilation of words and phrases with roots, histories, and/or current usage that can serve to reinforce systems of oppression," according to the PARC website. "This list is always growing based on suggestions from the community. We encourage folks to use the list as a learning tool and decide for themselves what words or phrases they want to use or not use."

The student-created list is separated into five categories that cover, violent language, identity-based language, language that doesn't say what we mean, culturally appropriative language and first-person alternatives.

The list notes that "walk-in" appointments could be considered "ableist," and the phrase "killing it" equates something good with murder. It also notes that labeling something as a "trigger warning," could have the unintended consequence of using violent language, and recommends something more like "content note" before warning people about language to come.

Then there's "a rule of thumb." That phrase comes from an old British law allowing men to beat their wives with sticks no wider than their thumb, according to the oppressive language list.

"The term picnic is often associated with lynchings of Black people in the United States, during which White spectators were said to have watched while eating, referring to them as picnics or other terms involving racial slurs against Black people," according to the list.

"Long time no see" and "no can do" developed because of people making fun of non-native English speakers, particularly applied to indigenous people and Asians, according to the list.

Although its creators said the list is just meant as a way to get people to slow down and consider what words they choose, and educate themselves as to why some people might react to certain terms and phrases, it is raising eyebrows around the country.

US Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican of New York, called the list "an all-out assault on our First Amendment" and an example of "the Far-Left cancel culture happening in our schools," according to The New York Post.

The list that was developed by students who have sought out advanced training in safely intervening in situations where other students may experience violence, according to PARC.

"These students have noted that many people who have experienced violence may be further harmed by the language others use in speaking with them, and they wished to educate others who want to understand the background of some terms, and to suggest more neutral language that can be used," according to a statement from the school, which stressed the list is a resource, not a demand. "The list is in no way an accounting of terms that Brandeis students, faculty or staff are prohibited from using."

"Every educational institution, and especially a university bearing the name of such a great personality as Luis Brandeis, should educate to expand freedom of expression rather than reduce it." says Eric Bach, The President of The Democracy Institute, "In our world there are infinite sensitivities of thousands of groups and types of human beings. The different person should be educated to contain insulting expressions, and not be offended by the inferior way in which different people choose to call them. When we educate unique people to be offended by the derogatory nicknames directed at them instead of pitying those who are unable to respect humans as they are, we reinforce their unjustified feelings of inferiority instead of giving them tools to deal with reality, one of which is the weakness of stupid people to understand that difference is advantage and not disadvantage. That being like everyone else is a greater insult than being unique. Politically correct, is not."


Brandeis, which has a strong social justice component, enrolled about 3,500 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students last year, according to its website. Tuition is near $60,000 annually, and room and board cost another $16,450.


Oppressive Language List

The Oppressive Language List was developed, created, and continues to be managed by students involved with PARC. Suggestions are brought forth by students who have been impacted by violence and students who have sought out advanced training for intervening in potentially violent situations.

This list is meant to be a tool to share information and suggestions about potentially oppressive language. Use of the suggested alternatives is not a university expectation, requirement or reflection of policy. As shared in Brandeis University's Principles of Free Speech and Free Expression, the language you choose to use or not use is entirely up to you.

PARC recognizes that language is a powerful tool that can be used to perpetrate and perpetuate oppression. As a community, we can strive to remove language that may hurt those who have experienced violence from our everyday use. Currently we have our list sorted into five categories:


Violent Language

Violent language in this list may be explicitly or implicitly violent expressions and metaphors that are used casually and unintentionally. These examples can be easily replaced by saying something more direct.

Instead of:
Suggested Alternatives
Explanation
Killing it

Great job!

Awesome!

If someone is doing well, there are other ways to say so without equating it to murder.

Take a shot at, take your best shot

Pull the trigger

Take a stab at

Give it a go

Try

These expressions needlessly use imagery of hurting someone or something.

Trigger warning

Content note

Drop-in

The word “trigger” has connections to guns for many people; we can give the same heads-up using language less connected to violence.
Rule of thumbGeneral rule

This expression allegedly comes from an old British law allowing men to beat their wives with sticks no wider than their thumb; however, no written record of this law exists today. The earliest recording of this usage of the expression is attributed to English judge Sir Francis Buller in the 18th century; it has also been found in US court records from the 19th century.

Go off the reservation

Disagree with the group, defect from the group

This phrase has a harmful history rooted in the violent removal of indigenous people from their land and the potential consequences for someone that left the reservation.

Wife beater

White ribbed tank top, tank, undershirt

This term trivializes relationship violence.

Culturally Appropriative Language

Culturally appropriative language misuses words and phrases that hold meaning in a particular culture by using them without context, appreciation, and/or respect.

Instead of:
Suggested Alternatives
Explanation
Tribe (outside of being used to describe racial, ethnic, and/or cultural groups)

Friends, group, pals, team

The word tribe was historically used in a dehumanizing way to equate indigenous people with being "savage" or "primitive;" modern misuse could be interpreted as racially charged.

Powwow

Meeting, party, gathering

Using the word powwow erases the cultural roots, significance, and true meaning of the word.

Spirit animal

Favorite animal, animal I would most like to be

In some cultural and spiritual traditions, spirit animals refer to an animal spirit that helps guide and/or protect a person through a journey; equating this with an animal you like strips the term of its significance. 


Person-First Language

Person-first language can frame people’s activities, attributes, and more as a part of the person rather than the whole person. Person-first language helps us resist defining people by just one thing about them if they don't want to be. 

It is important to note that some people do claim these identities and labels, in which case we suggest mirroring their language! For example, many people do identify with "survivor," "disabled person," "autistic person," "sex worker," and more. If you aren't sure and don't have an example to mirror when talking to or about someone, explore resources online from members of that community or ask them if that feels appropriate in the context of your relationship.

Instead of:
Suggested Language

Victim / Survivor 

Person who has experienced…

Person who has been impacted by…

Wheelchair-bound

Person who uses a wheelchair

Mentally illPerson living with a mental health condition

Child prostitute, sex with underage person

Non-consensual sex

Child who has been trafficked, rape

Rape 

Abusive relationshipsRelationship with a person who is abusive

Addict

Person with a substance use disorder

Homeless person

Person without housing

Prostitute

Person who engages in sex work

Prisoner, convict

Person who is/has been incarcerated

Slave

Person who is/was enslaved


Identity-Based Language

Identity-based oppressive language includes a range of word and phrases including potentially lesser-known slurs, unhelpful euphemisms, and exclusionary words and phrases. Important to note: the appropriateness of some identity-based language varies between insiders and outsiders of a group. Words that may be offensive for an outsider to say might be acceptably used by a member of that group. If you aren't sure if you should say a word or phrase someone has used to describe themself or their community, ask or do research to learn more. 

Instead of:
Suggested Alternatives
Explanation

Gender exclusive language

You guysLadies and Gentlemen

Policeman, congressman, etc.

Freshman

She/He

Gender inclusive language

Y'all, folks or folx, friends, loved ones, people

Police Officer, Congressperson, etc.

First year student

They or Ask their pronouns!

These examples either lump all people under masculine language or within the gender binary (man or woman), which doesn’t include everyone. 

African-American 

(unless the person/people identify as such)

Black (with a capital B)For Black folks born in the United States, hyphenating their identity can be interpreted as othering. Some folks do prefer to use African-American, particularly in connection to their ancestral roots, while others may identify with other ethnicities. We recommend using Black as a default, but being open to adjusting if asked to.

Ableist language

Crazy, Insane, Wild

Lame

Walk-in

Spaz

"I'm so OCD" (outside of actually having OCD)

Handicapped, Re**rded

 

 

That’s bananas, wow!

Uncool, disappointing

Drop-in

Clumsy

"I'm very organized, detailed oriented"

Disabled person* or person with a disability, person with a cognitive disability

Autistic person*

Neurodivergent

Ableist language can contribute to stigmas about and trivializes the experiences of people living with disabilities, mental health conditions, and more.

*These are two examples of how person-first language isn't always preferred. When talking or referring to a specific person, it is best to mirror their language and/or ask if you can. Explore the person-first suggestions here.

Generic “people of color“ when you are talking about a specific group or groups.BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) - this term intentionally names Black and Indigenous folks who are disproportionately impacted by violence in the US, even more so than other people of color.If you are talking about a specific racial group, name the group you are talking about.

Tr*nny, f*g, or other slurs for LGBTQIA+ people

Transsexual (unless being used medically)

Hermaphrodite (when referring to a person)

LGBTQ+

Transgender people, trans and gender non-conforming folk

Queer (consider your audience, not everyone receives this word positively)

Intersex

Many of these terms have historically and continue to be used in a hateful way against LGBTQIA+ folks. As with other in-group language, sometimes folks may refer to themselves with a word that someone outside of that group should not use. 

Transgendered

Transgender

While grammatically correct, transgender without an -ed is used to avoid connotations that being transgender is something that is done to a person and to create distance from misconceptions that being trans requires a before/after, surgery, or other formal transition.

Long time no see

No can do

It's been a while!

Sorry, I can't.

These terms as well as other expressions using "broken" English originate from stereotypes making fun of non-native English speakers, particularly applied to Indigenous people and Asians. 

To get gypped

To get Jewed

 To get ripped off

To get haggled down

Gypped is derived from "gypsy," connected to the racial stereotype that Romani people are swindlers.

Similarly, Jewed is based on the stereotype that Jews are cheap and/or money hoarders.

Sold down the river

Betrayed

This expression refers to enslaved people who were sold as punishment, separating them from their families and loved ones.

Indian-giver

Take something back; rescind a gift

The term Indian-giver is said to have roots in misunderstandings about trade customs in early relationships between Indigenous people in the Americas and white settlers. 

Language That Doesn't Say What We Mean

Language that doesn't say what we mean can often serve to avoid directly addressing what we really need to say. Using euphemisms, vagueness, and inaccurate words can get in the way of meaningful dialogue; PARC encourages you to be transparent around what you mean.

Instead of:
Suggested Alternatives
Explanation
“Everything going on right now”Police brutality, protests, BLM, COVID-19, etc. Name what you are referring to!Being vague about important issues risks miscommunication and can also avoid accountability.
Committed suicide, failed/successful suicide, completed suicideDied by suicide; suicided; killed themselfThese verbs frame suicide as a crime (committed) or an achievement (fail, successful, completed), implying judgment about suicidality.

Child prostitute, sex with underage person

Non-consensual sex

Child who has been trafficked, rape

Rape 

 

Sex with someone without their consent is rape; it is important to name this.
Abusive relationshipsRelationship with a person who is abusiveRelationships don’t perpetrate abuse; people do. It is important to name that someone is responsible.

Victim

Survivor

Person who has experienced…

Person who has been impacted by…

These labels can make a person feel reduced to an experience. Person-first language is great here, unless the person identifies with either word. If they do, honor them by using that word!

Female-identifying

Male-identifying

Female-bodied

Male-bodied

Depending on who you mean:

Women, including trans women

Cisgender women, men

Assigned female/male at birth

These terms imply that a person’s identity isn’t “real” or that their body defines them in a different way than they might identify. 

"I'm going to kill myself" 

"I'm really upset." 

"I'm so overwhelmed"

Joking about suicide is very harmful and belittles the problem as well as people who may be seriously considering suicide or have in the past.





Newsletter

Related Articles

London Daily
0:00
0:00
Close
Unelected PM of the UK holds an emergency meeting because a candidate got voted in… which he says is a threat to democracy…
You Are So Beautiful
Rob Schneider explains California reparations legislation.
Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Who knew badminton could get so intense?
An old French tune (by Georges Brassens) Pomplamoose ft. John Schroeder
Farmers break through police barriers in Brussels.
Sattahip Motor Show 20
London's Iconic British Telecom Tower Sold To Become Hotel
SONATE AU CLAIR DE LUNE - Moonlight sonata
Ukraine Arrests Father-Son Duo In Lockbit Cybercrime Bust
A kiss to build a dream on
US Offers $15 Million For Info On Leaders Of Cybercrime Group Lockbit
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Russia Claims UK Cultural Agency Spied for Ukraine
Mean Blues
Apple warns against drying iPhones with rice
La Chansonnette
Alexei Navalny: UK sanctions Russian prison chiefs after activist's death
Pattaya Addicts
German economy is in 'troubled waters' - ministry
Franz Liszt - Liebestraum - Love Dream
In a recent High Court hearing, the U.S. argued that Julian Assange endangered lives by releasing classified information.
Dream a little dream of me
New video
Unchained Melody sung like you've NEVER heard!
Tucker Carlson says Boris Johnson wants "a million dollars, in Bitcoin or cash, from Tucker Carlson to talk about Ukraine.
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
Russia is rebuilding capacity to destabilize European countries, new UK report warns
Édith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Sofie)
EU Commission wants anti-drone defenses at Brussels HQ
Rondo Alla Turca
Von der Leyen’s 2nd-term pitch: More military might, less climate talk
Kiss of fire
Global Law Enforcement Dismantles Lockbit Ransomware Operation
Tom Jones - I´ll Never Fall In Love Again 1967, 1989, 2001
Prince William Urges End to Gaza Conflict
Israel Cachao López - Guajira Clásica
UK court to hear Assange's final appeal against extradition to the US, where he faces charges related to his journalistic work—the publication of a classified video in 2010 that exposed US war crimes against humanity.
Edward Maya - Stereo Love (feat. Vika Jigulina) (Extended Mix)
About 50-60% kids either chose to be YouTuber or influencer
Strauss - Radetzky March - Karajan
A viral video of Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce lying on a Canberra footpath is celebrated by his media mates.
La vie en rose
European Countries React to Navalny's Death by Summoning Russian Diplomats
The Temptations - My Girl (Smokey Robinson Tribute) 2006 Kennedy Cent
Israel has gone ‘beyond self-defence’ in Gaza, says Labour’s Streeting
Orlando Cachaito Lopez Redencion
English farmers to be offered ‘largest ever’ grant scheme amid food security concerns
Edith Piaf - NON, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN
Cameron government knew Post Office ditched Horizon IT investigation
RADETZKY MARCH-2008-Wien, New Year Concert
EU Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
Only you (And you alone)
EU Vows To Hold Putin "Accountable" After Meeting Alexei Navalny's Wife
Strangers In The Night
EU Launches Probe Into TikTok Over Child Protection Under Digital Content Law
Charles Aznavour - La Boheme
The EU Initiates Naval Mission to Defend Red Sea Trade Routes
Summer time
EU and UK Announce Joint Effort on Migration
Sting and Stevie Wonder - Fragile (from Sting's 60th birthday concert)
Brazil's Lula Likens Gaza Operation to Holocaust, Israel Says "Red Line" Crossed
Aux Champs Elysees
Ministers Confirm Proposal to Prohibit Mobile Phone Usage in English Schools
Stand By Me - Ben E. King (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Microsoft-backed OpenAI valued at $80bn after company completes deal
La Mer (Beyond the Sea) – Avalon Jazz Band
‘Alexei would want to tell Russia not to give up fighting’
She
Rwandan Footballer's Dismissal Sparks Concerns Over UK Asylum Plan
Nathalie Song by Enzo Petrachi Stjepan Hauser Cello
Whisky Challenges China's Baijiu Market During New Year Celebrations
Shape of My Heart - Sting (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Avdiivka - Symbol Of Ukrainian Resistance Now In Control Of Russian Troops
Radiohead - Creep
Putin Critic Alexei Navalny's "Killers" Refusing To Hand Over Body, Say Allies
Quizás,Quizás,Quizás - Andrea Bocelli - Jennifer Lopez
"Historic Step": Zelensky Signs Security Pact With Germany
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Multi-Couples
"Historic Step": Zelensky Signs Security Pact With Germany
Pentatonix Havana
20 Tech Giants Sign Effort To Fight AI Election Interference Across Globe
Paula Cole - Autumn Leaves
Joe Biden Accuses Putin of Causing Navalny's Death
Oscar Benton Bensonhurst Blues
Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has died at the Arctic prison colony
OH NANANA vs ABUSADAMENTE
Tucker Carlson grocery shopping in Russia. This is so interesting.
Nina Simone - ”I Put A Spell On You”. Vezi aici cum cântă Jeremy Ragsd
Julian Assange's Wife Warns of His Death if Extradited to US
NIGHTWISH - The Phantom Of The Opera
‘A lot higher than we expected’: Russian arms production worries Europe’s war planners
Motorshow 2016 Tanjay Negros Oriental
Greece Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption Rights
Monica Bellucci - Ti Amo
Hungarian Foreign Minister: Europeans will lose Europe, the Union's policy must change drastically
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean Milena The Voice France 2018
In Britain Homeowners are receiving CPO’s (Compulsory Purchase Orders) so their homes can be redistributed to migrants
Michael Buble (Help Me Make It Through The Night) feat Loren Allred
Memories Canon In D - Maroon 5 (Boyce Avenue piano acoustic cover)
Matteo Simoni - Marina
Maroon 5 - One More Night
Maroon 5 - Memories
Mark Knopfler - Brothers In Arms (Berlin 2007 Live)
Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - Romeo And Juliet (Real Live Roadrunni
Marina, Marina - The LUCKY DUCKIES intimist live concert at Guimarães
Major Lazer & DJ Snake – Lean On Mauranne The Voice France 2016
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet - Joslin - Henri Mancini, Nino Rota
LoLa & Hauser - Love Story
Linkin Park Jay-Z - Numb Encore (Live 8 2005)
Hallelujah Mennel Ibtissem, The Voice France Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love
Leonard Cohen & Natasha Rostova - Dance me to the end of love
La casa de papel - Bella Ciao
La Camisa Negra
L'italiano (Toto Cutugno) - The Gypsy Queens
Juanes - La Camisa Negra
Jonathan and Charlotte - Britain's Got Talent 2012 Live Semi Final - U
John Powell - Assassin's Tango
Joe Cocker - You Can Leave Your Hat On (LIVE in Dortmund)
Joe Cocker - Unchain My Heart 2002 Live
Joe Cocker - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Jay Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind LIVE
Jason Mraz - Im Yours (live)
Jarrod Radnich - Bohemian Rhapsody - Virtuosic Piano Solo
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
James Blunt - You're Beautiful & Bonfire Heart (Live at The Nobel Peac)
If You Go Away - Helen Merrill & Stan Getz (Tribute to Virna Lisi)
I'LL BE MISSING YOU
I Say a Little Prayer
Hotel California ( Eagles ) 1994 Live
Historia de un amor - Luz Casal. Vezi interpretarea Biancăi Sumanariu
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover) on Spot
Heart - Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors
HAVANA by Camila Cabello Zumba Pre Cooldown TML Crew Kramer Pastra
HAUSER and Señorita - I Will Always Love You
HAUSER - Waka Waka
HAUSER - Sway
HAUSER - Lambada
HAUSER - Historia de un Amor
HAUSER - Despacito
Great Pretender
Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice Samba to 'Volare' - Strictly Come
Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues
GIPSY KINGS VOLARE Penelope Cruz
Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
French Latino - Historia de un Amor
For A Few Dollars More The Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Live)
Flashdance • What a Feeling • Irene Cara
Filip Rudan - “Someone You Loved” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sez
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Enya - Only Time
Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (English Version) ft. Sean Paul
Enrique Iglesias - Bailamos
Elena Yerevan Historia de un amor
Ed Sheeran - Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Ed Sheeran - Perfect Symphony [with Andrea Bocelli]
Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video)
Easy On Me - Adele (Boyce Avenue 90’s style piano acoustic cover) on S
ERA - Ameno
ELENA YEREVAN- Cancion Del Mariachi-IN STUDIO-2017 DPR
Dust In The Wind - Kansas (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Despacito x Shape Of You - Pentatonix
Deep Purple - Child In Time - Live (1970)
David Foster When A Man Loves A WomanIt's A Mans World (SealMichael Bo
Dance me to the end of Love ( Pi-Air Design )
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Official Music Video]
Conquest Of Paradise (Vangelis), played on Böhm Emporio organ
Cielito Lindo
Chico & The Gypsies - Bamboleo
Canción Del Mariachi - Antonio Banderas, Los Lobos • Desperado
Camila Cabello - Havana (Audio) ft. Young Thug
Camila Cabello - Havana ( cover by J.Fla )
California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas José Feliciano (Boyce Ave
Buster Benton - Money Is The Name of The Game
Hallelujah Pentatonix
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)
Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door Emilia The Voice Kids France
Besame Mucho - Cesaria Evora
Ben E. King - Stand by Me Sax Cover Alexandra Ilieva Thomann
Bella Ciao
Bella Ciao - INSTRUMENTAL
Beautiful in White x Canon in D (Piano Cover by Riyandi Kusuma)
Bad Romance - Vintage 1920's Gatsby Style Lady Gaga Cover ft. Ariana Savalas & Sarah Reich(1)
BELLA CIAO 2020 - KARAOKE ITALIANO
BAMBOLEO - Gipsy Kings • Antonio Banderas, Katya Virshilas
BAILANDO (original)
Awesome Ukrainian yodeler - SOFIA SHKIDCHENKO (with English subtitles)
Avicii - The Nights
Atom - The Great Gig in the Sky
Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Official Ly
Antonio Banderas - Cancion del Mariachi (Desperado)
André Rieu - Zorba's Dance (Sirtaki)
André Rieu - Can't Help Falling In Love
André Rieu & Mirusia - Ave Maria
Andrew Reyes Elton John - Don't Let The Sun Go Down The Voice 2020 (
Andreas Kümmert Whiter Shade Of Pale The Voice of Germany 2013 Showd
And I Love You So
All About That Bass - Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Alan Walker - Faded (Piano Cover)
Ain't No Sunshine -- Bill Withers (cover by Canen 12 y.o.)
African music
Adriana Vidović - “Creep” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
Adriana Vidović - “Believer” Nokaut 3 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
A Fistful of Dollars - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Tuva
4 Beautiful Soundtracks Relaxing Piano [10min]
2CELLOS - Whole Lotta Love vs. Beethoven 5th Symphony [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
2CELLOS - Smooth Criminal (Live at Suntory Hall, Tokyo)
2CELLOS - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live at Sydney Opera House]
2CELLOS - Despacito [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
13 Year Old Girl Playing Il Silenzio (The Silence) - André Rieu
094.All About That Bass
00 - SADNESS PART 1
(Ghost) Riders In the Sky (American Outlaws Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams (Boyce Avenue ft. Conn
What a wonderful world
Moon river
×